Top of the Pops cancelled

21/06/2006 - 07:05:40
Legendary British chart show Top Of The Pops has been cancelled after 42 years, the BBC has announced.

BBC director of television Jana Bennett insists the programme, which airs for the last time on July 30, cannot compete with the increasing number of 24-hour music channels.

But former presenter Noel Edmonds is devastated by the news, and believes the broadcast giant has made a "dangerous" decision.

"It's a huge commodity and kids are still listening to music, even if they are downloading it," he said.

"It's a tragedy when a broadcaster doesn't understand such a powerful brand."

Bennett said in a statement: "The time has come to bring the show to its natural conclusion."