BBC Two to air Top of the Pops

The BBC's flagship pop music programme, 'Top of the Pops', is to move to BBC Two from spring 2005.

Combining 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.

For the first time in its history the show will air on Sunday evenings, creating a closer relationship with the Radio 1 Chart Show, making the show even more of a weekly, live musical event.

BBC Two Controller Roly Keating said: "It's an exciting new era for Top of the Pops. We want to make it bigger and better so that it becomes the ultimate pop music show for music lovers of every generation.

"BBC Two has a strong heritage in pop music and performance programmes, from Jools Holland to Glastonbury, so Top of the Pops will have a natural home on the channel.

"The addition of Top of the Pops will also extend BBC Two's offering to younger audiences."

Lorraine Heggessey, Controller of BBC One, said the channel would "continue to support popular music with high profile specials from leading artists".

This week's Ivor Novello Tribute is to Sir Elton John and new musical talent will feature in programmes such as Friday Night with Jonathan Ross.

Jana Bennett, Director of Television for the BBC, added: "In the changing world of music and television, Top of the Pops will find a stronger home on BBC Two in its new format.

"I believe moving and adapting to a more diverse audience of music lovers is the right evolution for the programme."

(GB/SP)