Simon Cowell: 'I'll save Top of the Pops'

The X Factor judge Simon Cowell has offered to save Top of the Pops.

It follows the BBC announcement that the Top of the Pops Christmas Special would not be going ahead this year.

Simon told The Sun: "I've got a suggestion for them. If they don't want it, I'll take it. I'm serious. Why end the tradition? It's like not having Christmas pudding. I don't believe in breaking with tradition."

Simon added: "This year has been phenomenal for British music and we should celebrate by making Top Of The Pops at Christmas a fantastic event."

But the BBC defended the decision to cancel the show and revealed plans for an eight-part series of the programme's archival spin-off, TOTP2.

"We said at that time the Christmas Special would continue, but would have to earn its place every year," said a BBC spokesman.

"This year it was felt that pop music would be better represented over Christmas by an eight-part series of TOTP2 that will reflect some of the year's key hits and possibly the Christmas number one."

Previous winners of The X Factor - Shane Ward, Leona Lewis and Leon Jackson - have performed their Christmas number one singles on the show for three consecutive years.

Simon added: "I've made them an offer and let's see if they accept."