Simon Cowell Saves Top Of The Pops... Maybe

Just a couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article asking whether the BBC should bring back Top Of The Pops. The question was prompted by The Ting Tings mourning the killing off of the program, and since then, the fight to save the show from perpetual obscurity has been ramped up.

The weekly broadcast of the music show, which featured live (and not so live) performances from artists in the British singles chart, was canceled in 2006 after 42 years of being on air. However, the BBC decided to keep two spin-off shows going: TOTP 2, featuring older or alternative performances, and the Christmas Special, annual episode summing up the year before in music.

The Top Of The Pops Christmas Special is as much a part of Christmas day in the UK as the Queen’s speech is, but this year, Liz will be be flying the flag alone. According to The Sun, the BBC has decided to can the Christmas Special and replace it with an 8-part series of Top Of The Pops 2.

A spokesman for the BBC issued a statement which read:

“Top Of The Pops was decommissioned in 2006 as it became clear that it no longer occupied the central role it once did. 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.”

So no mention of the real reason for the change of heart then. Which is quite obviously down to cost and schedule-filling. While the Top Of The Pops Christmas Special would require filming a new set of artist performances, TOTP 2 features archive footage. And while the Special would only last an hour, TOTP 2 will happily fill 4 hours of gaps in the schedule over the holidays.

But there could be a savior for the show, in the unlikely form of Simon Cowell, Mr. Nasty himself. He has joined The Sun’s campaign to save the show, and is even prepared to put his money where his mouth is in order to see the Christmas Special on the TV again this year.

“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.”

The obvious fact is that Cowell probably only wants the show for his own ends – showcasing Leona Lewis, Leon Jackson and all the rest of The X-Factor rejects every year in order to drive record sales. But I still hope he succeeds in his quest to save the show.

I don’t think the weekly episodes should be brought back because the world has now moved on but the Christmas Special is something different altogether. Christmas needs presents, a full roast, family, the Queen, and Top Of The Pops. Otherwise it just won’t be Christmas.

[Photo Source: From Newscom with permission]