'Top Of The Pops' Christmas special axed

[moonstorm]

The BBC has axed its annual Top Of The Pops Christmas special, The Sun reports.

The corporation's flagship music show first aired in 1964 and was broadcast weekly up until 2006. It has since returned as two Christmas specials in 2006 and 2007.

However, the BBC has decided against a 2008 edition, opting instead to show an eight-part Top Of The Pops 2 series.

"Top Of The Pops was decommissioned in 2006 as it became clear that it no longer occupied the central role it once did," said a BBC spokesman. "We said at that time the Christmas special would continue but would have to earn its place every year. This year it was felt that pop music would be better represented over Christmas by a special, eight-part series of TOTP2."

In recent weeks The Ting Tings and culture secretary Andy Burnham have called for the return of the show.

[moonstorm]

Cowell vows to save 'Top Of The Pops'

Simon Cowell has made an offer to the BBC for the Top Of The Pops format.

Following the news that the broadcaster has axed its annual TOTP Christmas special, the X Factor producer has voiced his desire to revive the flagship music show.

He told The Sun: "I've got a suggestion for them. If they don’t want it, I'll take it. I'm serious. They can give it to me or I will give them a bit of money. Why end the tradition? It's like not having Christmas pudding. I don't believe in breaking with tradition.

"This year has been phenomenal for British music and we should celebrate by making Top Of The Pops at Christmas a fantastic event. I've made them an offer and let's see if they accept."

Former TOTP presenter Scott Mills said that the decision to pull the show has "ruined Christmas".

He added: "It'll be weird not having it there. It's like one less present to open. I can see how it's less popular now, with MTV and YouTube, but I always thought it would stay. I really want it back. It's not too late for the BBC to change their minds. It would be brilliant."

[lizann]

Its tradition now for me to watch TOTP on Christmas Day

I hope this is not true

[sindydoll]

cowel will save the day

[Chris_2k11]

nooo one day of the year and we cant even have that

[Abbie]

Thats not fair!!!

[Perdita]

The BBC has apparently rejected an offer made by Simon Cowell to revive the Top Of The Pops Christmas Special.

The X Factor producer made a bid for its format after the corporation announced that the 43-year-old show was to be axed.

Cowell said: "If they don’t want it, I'll take it. I'm serious. They can give it to me or I will give them a bit of money. Why end the tradition?"

According to The Sun, BBC chiefs have now refused Cowell's offer.

"I'm afraid we couldn't accept Simon's offer, but we hope viewers will enjoy the eight episodes of TOTP2 lined up over Christmas, which will feature some of the year's key hits and possibly the Christmas No.1," a spokesperson said.

WTF are they thinking of? He would do a brilliant job, I am sure.