[Arneldo]

The BBC has confirmed that Top Of The Pops will return for Christmas and New Year specials.

Fearne Cotton and Reggie Yates will helm both the traditional chart run-down from BBC Television Centre on Christmas Day and the new Top Of The Pops New Year's Eve Special.

"I am beyond excited at the thought of a return to the mighty TOTP studios for these one-off shows," said Cotton.

"Reggie and I feel truly honoured to be able to introduce this year's number one - both shows are going to be huge!"

The New Year show will feature as part of an extended musical lineup on the channel, which includes Jools Holland Hootenanny and The Big Finish. It will be made up of clips from Glastonbury, Radio 1's Big Weekend and BBC sessions.

Controller of BBC One Jay Hunt said: "With shows on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, Top Of The Pops has never been bigger.

"The shows will form the centrepiece of a massive musical offering during the festive season that we hope viewers are really going to enjoy."

Tabloid reports in October suggested that the festive edition of the music show had been axed by the channel.

DS