TOTP2 cut back as Jools expands

BBC Announce Music show plans

BBC Entertainment News

 

The BBC has scrapped weekly editions of the pop archive show Top Of The Pops 2, reducing it to six special themed episodes spread throughout the year.

 

A programme looking back at winners of the Eurovision song contest will be the first to use the new format in May.

 

The corporation has also announced six extra editions of live music showcase Later... With Jools Holland, which will now run three times a year.

 

Later returns to BBC Two in May for its 29th series.

 

"This is a fantastic vote of confidence in the show and what it does for music," said the BBC's head of music entertainment, Mark Cooper.

 

"Last series we introduced debuts by Mika, Just Jack, Mr Hudson and more.

 

"With more shows and an extra series, we look forward to bringing more magic moments the whole year round."

 

Top Of The Pops was the BBC's flagship music programme for 42 years, but it was axed last June after viewing figures dropped.

 

Clip show TOTP2 continued to be shown, with occasional live performances showcasing new music.

 

The programme's new format will concentrate on "occasions, events and anniversaries," said the BBC in a statement.

 

As well as the Eurovision special, planned programmes include a retrospective of Sting and The Police to coincide with their UK tour, and a country music show in the run-up to the Country Music Association awards in November.

 

Do you regard this as good or bad news?

 

 

anything that gives new, live music a wider platform is great by me... and Jools' show is, by far, the most intelligent music show on the box... so it's excellent news, I reckon.