Top Of The Pops Christmas Special 'Axed'

The Top of the Pops Christmas special has been axed from the BBC's winter schedule, according to reports.

The programme, which has been broadcast for the past 43 years, will be replaced with an eight part TOTP2 series.

The one off special traditionally unveiled which act had won the race to the coveted Christmas number one spot.

The announcement, reported in today's Sun newspaper, comes two years after the BBC decommissioned the Top of the Pops series because of falling viewing figures.

The channel's decision was widely criticised by the music industry and members of the public, for whom the programme had become a weekly ritual.

Earlier this month, Culture Secretary Andy Burnham led calls for a similar programme to be launched in order to help new bands achieve wider attention.

Speaking at In the City in Manchester, Mr Burnham said TV was “relying on safe formats” instead of driving the search for new talent.

"That was what was great about the past - The Smiths did become a national name, even though I can remember my dad moaning about them on Top of the Pops.”

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