BBC Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw has categorically denied he "snubbed" Rihanna after she failed to show up to a scheduled interview on his show.

The superstar singer - who is currently promoting new record 'Unapologetic'- was due to appear on Grimshaw's early morning radio show on Monday (November 19) prior to a performance in London as part of her '777 Tour'.

Her short-notice cancellation angered Grimshaw, who said live on air "'We're not gonna promote ['Unapologetic] now."

However, Grimshaw has denied the rebuff on his Twitter page, writing: "I've not snubbed nor banned Rihanna. I've played her several times this week, been to see her play live and bought her album and loved it... what I said on air was tongue in cheek. It looks really serious written down :(

He added: "Lolz at Rihanna beef. If I were to start beef it would be with a far lesser popstar. Someone like Michael Bolton or Kriss Kross."

After Rihanna's cancellation earlier this week Grimshaw said live on air: "I'm gonna have a tantrum because it's my favourite popstar. We're not even mentioning her. We're not gonna promote it now. We were kinda forced into having Rihanna as our Record of the Week because we were going to do a big interview with her but once it was cancelled we changed it.

He added: "She ruined my week. Nice one Rihanna."