Veteran DJ John Peel failed to get a radio interview with a nude rights campaigner because the BBC ordered him to cover up, it emerged today.Bosses would not allow Steve Gough to walk naked through their offices in Southampton because it might have offended staff.

Veteran DJ John Peel failed to get a radio interview with a nude rights campaigner because the BBC ordered him to cover up, it emerged today.

Bosses would not allow Steve Gough to walk naked through their offices in Southampton because it might have offended staff.

Mr Gough, 43, is a local celebrity who has fallen foul of the law several times because he believes being in his birthday suit is a human right.

He was in reception at the BBC South studios yesterday, ready to record a piece for the popular Radio 4 show Home Truths, presented by the veteran DJ who lives near Stowmarket, when he was banned.

The campaigner had cycled naked through Southampton city centre in the cold from his Eastleigh home five miles away to go to the interview.

He had been given a name badge and was warming up having a cup of tea in reception when the BBC ordered the cover-up.

Mr Gough refused and was told the interview was off.

Father-of two Mr Gough was then arrested by police when he arrived home.

A Radio 4 spokeswoman said the interview would have been done by John Peel in London through a link.

"He arrived naked in our reception and then expected to walk through various offices to the studio,' she explained. "We judged that he might have caused offence to some of our staff and asked him to cover up but he refused.'

John Peel was today unavailable for comment. Mr Gough was released on police bail to return on February 26.