BBC star Hardeep Singh Kohli faces explosive trial as 20 sexual offence charges head to court
Hardeep Singh Kohli. Image Credit: PA Media
Scottish comedian and broadcaster Hardeep Singh Kohli will stand trial after pleading not guilty to 20 criminal charges, including multiple allegations of rape, sexual assault and abusive behaviour involving five women.
The High Court in Glasgow heard that the 57-year-old entertainer, known for appearances on Celebrity Big Brother, Celebrity MasterChef, The One Show, and The Wright Stuff, denied every allegation through his legal team during a procedural hearing on Friday.
The case, which spans allegations dating from 2006 to 2021, is one of the most significant legal proceedings involving a high-profile British television personality in recent years. Kohli has also lodged a special defence of consent for several of the allegations. His trial is scheduled to begin on 1 October 2027.
Hardeep Singh Kohli denies all allegations
Kohli, who was excused from attending the hearing in person, entered not guilty pleas through defence advocate Sarah Livingstone.
According to court documents, prosecutors allege the offences occurred across several locations in Scotland between January 2006 and June 2021.
The indictment includes five separate rape charges involving one woman. Prosecutors allege the incidents occurred on multiple occasions at properties near Glasgow between June 2020 and June 2021.
The final rape allegation claims the woman was intoxicated, drifting in and out of consciousness, and incapable of giving consent at the time of the alleged offence.
Kohli has denied each allegation.
Prosecutors outline additional sexual assault and abuse allegations
Beyond the rape allegations, prosecutors accuse Kohli of committing several sexual offences against the same complainant.
The indictment alleges he encouraged the woman to wear a blindfold during one incident and spat on her during another.
Court papers also accuse him of engaging in a prolonged course of abusive behaviour over approximately two years.
The prosecution alleges this behaviour included repeatedly contacting the woman through calls and text messages, monitoring her movements, requesting intimate photographs, questioning her about previous relationships, coercing her into giving him money, and appearing uninvited at her home.
Additional allegations claim he locked her out of his property, disposed of food he had prepared for her, communicated indecently, and sent photographs of semi-naked women.
These allegations remain unproven, and Kohli has denied all charges.
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Charges involve four additional women
The indictment also contains allegations involving four other women.
One woman alleges Kohli indecently assaulted her at BBC Scotland studios in Glasgow and later at a city hotel between 2006 and 2008.
Another charge alleges he committed a sexually related breach of the peace at a restaurant during the same period.
A third complainant alleges Kohli indecently assaulted her and performed a sexual act in front of her at the Cross Keys Hotel in Canonbie, Dumfries and Galloway, in June 2008.
Another allegation concerns incidents said to have occurred at the University of Edinburgh in August 2011, where Kohli is accused of repeated sexual assault.
The final complainant alleges Kohli sexually assaulted her at Glasgow’s former Yes Bar in December 2016. Prosecutors claim he grabbed her, kissed her without consent, repeatedly pursued her inside the venue and made sexual remarks.
Kohli denies every allegation contained in the indictment.
Long broadcasting career now overshadowed by criminal proceedings
Before the criminal proceedings, Kohli built a prominent media career spanning television, radio and live entertainment.
He worked as a reporter on the BBC’s The One Show, appeared as a panelist on Channel 5’s The Wright Stuff, and featured on celebrity reality programmes including Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity MasterChef.
His broadcasting work made him a familiar face across British television, particularly during the 2000s.
However, the allegations have overshadowed his entertainment career since police investigations became public in 2025.
Trial scheduled for October 2027
Friday’s hearing focused solely on procedural matters rather than evidence.
No evidence was presented before the court, and none of the allegations have been tested during trial proceedings.
The High Court scheduled Kohli’s trial to begin on 1 October 2027, when prosecutors and defence lawyers are expected to present evidence before a judge and jury. Until then, the charges remain allegations. Under UK law, every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
FAQ
Who is Hardeep Singh Kohli?
Hardeep Singh Kohli is a Scottish comedian, broadcaster, writer and television personality. He became well known through appearances on BBC programmes including The One Show, as well as Celebrity Big Brother, Celebrity MasterChef and Channel 5’s The Wright Stuff.
Why is Hardeep Singh Kohli in court?
Kohli is facing criminal proceedings after prosecutors charged him with 20 offences, including multiple allegations of rape, sexual assault, indecent assault and abusive behaviour involving five women.
What charges does Hardeep Singh Kohli face?
He faces 20 criminal charges. These include five counts of rape involving one complainant, multiple sexual assault allegations, indecent assault, abusive behaviour and other sexual offence allegations spanning from 2006 to 2021.
Did Hardeep Singh Kohli plead guilty?
No. Kohli has pleaded not guilty to every charge through his legal representatives. He has also lodged a special defence of consent for some allegations.
Has Hardeep Singh Kohli been convicted?
No. Kohli has not been convicted of any offence. The allegations remain before the court, and under UK law he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
When is Hardeep Singh Kohli’s trial?
The High Court in Glasgow has scheduled the trial to begin on 1 October 2027.
Where will the trial take place?
The criminal trial will be heard at the High Court in Glasgow, Scotland.
What are prosecutors alleging?
Prosecutors allege that offences involving five women occurred between 2006 and 2021 at several locations across Scotland, including Glasgow, Canonbie and Edinburgh.
Why was Hardeep Singh Kohli absent from court?
The court excused Kohli from attending the procedural hearing. His defence advocate appeared on his behalf to enter not guilty pleas.
Is Hardeep Singh Kohli still working with the BBC?
The BBC article focuses on the criminal proceedings and does not indicate any current broadcasting role. Kohli is best known for his previous work on BBC programmes and other television appearances.
What happens next in the case?
The case will proceed through the Scottish criminal justice process before trial. During the trial, prosecutors and the defence will present evidence, after which the court will determine the outcome.
Why is this case attracting widespread attention?
The proceedings involve a well-known British television personality and multiple serious allegations spanning more than a decade. Because of Kohli’s public profile, the case has generated significant public and media interest across the UK.