A BBC Radio 4 programme, which aimed to explore the events leading to the breakdown and efforts to recover of Isle of Man resident and former BBC radio and television presenter DJ Andy Kershaw, has been cancelled at the last moment.

He was to have been the subject of John Humphries' series 'On the Ropes' this morning.

John Moss has more (text, below, from attached audio file):

Andy kershaw's behaviour throughout the interview was in no way an issue, and had nothing to do with the decision to pull the programme - BBC statement.

A statement issued by the BBC says the aim of the programme was to describe the events leading up to Andy Kershaw's imprisonment, whilst providing the other parties with an appropriate degree of privacy.

It goes on: "this, however, did not prove possible. The programme was recorded and edited very close to the day of broadcast, hence the lateness of the decision to cancel.

"Andy kershaw's behaviour throughout the interview was in no way an issue", it adds, "and had nothing to do with the decision to pull the programme".

Andy Kershaw served time in the Isle of Man Prison on Victoria Road after breaking the terms of a restraining order.