BBC rejects Cowell's TOTP bid

The BBC has apparently rejected an offer made by Simon Cowell to revive the Top Of The Pops Christmas Special.

The X Factor producer made a bid for its format after the corporation announced that the 43-year-old show was to be axed.

Cowell said: "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?"

According to The Sun, BBC chiefs have now refused Cowell's offer.

"I'm afraid we couldn't accept Simon's offer, but we hope viewers will enjoy the eight episodes of TOTP2 lined up over Christmas, which will feature some of the year's key hits and possibly the Christmas No.1," a spokesperson said.