The BBC has postponed its televised celebrity boxing matches after intervention from the fight authorities.

The corporation announced all charity bouts for BBC Two's The Fight had been put on hold and training stopped.

The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) had threatened to revoke the licences of the trainers because it feared the bouts were dangerous.

Former Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley and political reporter John Pienaar were due next in the ring.

It's a great pity that the fight has been cancelled Tony Hadley

And investigative reporter Donal MacIntyre was to face entertainer Darren Day in another three-round bout.

The fights, which last three rounds, have been a hit with viewers.

Millions watched comedian Ricky Gervais beat Grant Bovey, husband of TV star Anthea Turner, and comedian Bob Mortimer triumph over entertainer Les Dennis.

A BBC spokeswoman said: "Our record for safety and working with the best in the business has been paramount throughout production of BBC Two's The Fight.

Pienaar was enjoying training

"So it is with regret that without the backing of the boxing authorities we have asked our celebrities to stop training, and put plans for the remaining bouts on hold.

"We are extremely proud of the programmes and our celebrity boxers and the contributions they have made to charity."

The BBBC had said the fights were dangerous and promoted unlicensed fighting.

It had summoned the trainers to a hearing where they threatened to revoke their licences.

Hadley said: "It's a great pity that the fight has been cancelled.

"John Pienaar and I have been really enjoying the training and were reaching a high level of fitness."

Hadley said he had invited his opponent to raise cash by trekking in Peru.