BBC chief says 'Top Of The Pops' may return (now confirmed)

Axed BBC music show 'Top Of The Pops' could be in line for a comeback.

The programme stopped broadcasting in 2006 but still had a Christmas special and sister show 'Top Of The Pops 2' on the TV.

However the BBC recently announced they would be halting the Christmas special much to public dismay - Simon Cowell even offered to transmit it on ITV.

However despite this it seems the show could return in the future.

Speaking to Timesonline.co.uk the head of music entertainment for BBC TV, Mark Cooper, said: "I would personally love to have a weekly music show on the BBC. It's a sleeping beauty. One day it will come back, in the way that 'Top Gear' and 'Doctor Who' came back.

Cooper added it would not be reinstated due to ratings figures, explaining: "It's probably no longer the case that 'Top Of The Pops' can be revived on the basis of it being an entertainment programme - instead it may have to be judged as a public service."

One unnamed music industry insider explained the programme would have to get with the times.

The source said: "There is only one chance for a comeback, and the programme will fail again if it returns exactly as before. It needs to be more populist and have exclusive content, new songs, that can be put up on YouTube and shared around the internet."


Original article here

The BBC has confirmed that Top Of The Pops will return for Christmas and New Year specials.

Fearne Cotton and Reggie Yates will helm both the traditional chart run-down from BBC Television Centre on Christmas Day and the new Top Of The Pops New Year's Eve Special.

"I am beyond excited at the thought of a return to the mighty TOTP studios for these one-off shows," said Cotton.

"Reggie and I feel truly honoured to be able to introduce this year's number one - both shows are going to be huge!"

The New Year show will feature as part of an extended musical lineup on the channel, which includes Jools Holland Hootenanny and The Big Finish. It will be made up of clips from Glastonbury, Radio 1's Big Weekend and BBC sessions.

Controller of BBC One Jay Hunt said: "With shows on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, Top Of The Pops has never been bigger.

"The shows will form the centrepiece of a massive musical offering during the festive season that we hope viewers are really going to enjoy."

Tabloid reports in October suggested that the festive edition of the music show had been axed by the channel.


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