BBC ‘axes its iconic Christmas Day show Top of the Pops after 57 years’

The BBC has reportedly axed its iconic Top of the Pops Christmas Day special.

A source told The Sun this week that the move was a cost-cutting measure despite it being the ‘end of an era’ for millions. 

The weekly version of the show was first axed in 2006 but it continued for years as an annual show and has seen the likes of Robbie Williams and Spice Girls perform. 

‘It’s the sad end of an era’: The BBC has ‘axed its iconic Christmas Day show Top of the Pops after 57 years on air’ and star performances from Robbie Williams and the Spice Girls due to budget fears. Host Fearne Cotton is pictured on the show in 2007

‘Beeb bosses felt the cost involved in creating a one-off show like this were too high to justify,’ a source said.

‘Creating the studio and bringing together a string of artists to perform for just this programme required a disproportionate amount of resources.’

‘But it will be seen as the sad end of an era by millions of Brits who saw it as a Christmas Day must-watch along with the Queen’s Speech.’

Star performances: The weekly version of the show was first axed in 2006 but it continued for years as an annual show and has seen the likes of Robbie Williams and Spice Girls perform

The likes of The Spice Girls, Wham!, Madonna, Beyonce and Robbie Williams have all performed on the iconic show over the years.

Take That, Steps, Peter Andre, Mariah Carey, The Beatles and Elton John were also among the star guests.  

It was revealed in November last year that Fearne Cotton was stepping down as host of Top of the Pops after nearly two decades. 

Iconic: The likes of The Spice Girls, Wham!, Madonna, Beyonce and Robbie Williams have all performed on the iconic show over the years

‘Creating the studio and bringing together a string of artists to perform for just this programme required a disproportionate amount of resources,’ a source said this week

Fearne first started hosting TOTP in 2002 and recently ‘reflected on the projects she wants to carry on pursuing’. 

Fearne previously revealed that presenting TOTP surrounded by a ‘plethora of gorgeous popstars’ fuelled her insecurities. 

She opened up about her journey with mental health in an interview with Stella, and talked about the triggers that led to her struggles with bulimia and depression.

The veteran presenter explained at the time: ‘When I was doing Top of the Pops in the 1990s there was a plethora of gorgeous young pop stars around, from Samantha Mumba to Steps, and they all looked like these confident, luminous beings to me, with flat stomachs and stylists and make-up artists.’

She added: ‘I never felt I was exuding that kind of confidence or ability. Even later, I always felt a step behind everyone else.’

MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment. 

Stepping down: It was revealed in November last year that Fearne Cotton was stepping down as host of Top of the Pops after nearly two decades (pictured in 2003)