Word on the chav-ridden streets was that Top of the Pops was to be axed. But nay, instead of getting rid of that onetime British insitution, they've decided instead to move it to Sundays on BBC2, and by the sounds of it Andi Peters is handing the show over to the TOTP2 team, with their bevvy of classic one-hit wonders and rare tv performances by Status Quo.
As of spring 2005, TOTP will have a new, extended format, Roly Keating, Controller of BBC TWO, announced today (Monday 29 November). The show will combine the best of Top of the Pops with Top of the Pops 2, the new format will feature both the latest bands as well as music archive, aiming to appeal to a diverse audience of music lovers. Read also: one minute it'll be Kylie, the next Cyndi Lauper.
Despite calls for Andi Peters head, low viewing figures and there only being so many weeks a year to see 'Babycakes' and dodgy dance people in lycra miming; they say it'll be on, on Sundays so that it has a closer relationship with the Radio 1 Chart Show.
Lorraine Heggessey, Controller of BBC ONE, says: "Top of the Pops has enjoyed a great life on BBC ONE and the production team have done a wonderful job with the series. I believe they will find new fans for pop music with Top of the Pops in its new home."
She continues: "BBC ONE will continue to support popular music with high profile specials from leading artists - this week's Ivor Novello Tribute to Sir Elton John for example - and showcase new musical talent in programmes such as Friday Night with Jonathan Ross."
DiScuss: Is 'Pop' dead? Is the 'single' dead? Is Popworld the future? Has CD:UK won the war? Will you not worry anymore about missing TOTP whilst sitting down the pub of a Friday even'? What will they put on before Eastenders now? Has popular culture ever managed to keep up with evolving trends? Shouldn't Jools Holland (or an equivalent, with artistes who, if given the chance, sell millions of albums) be on every week of the year? Art Brut...