Top of the Pops

Top of the Pops (1964- )

RunningVariety showMusic

Top of the Pops is a British music chart television programme, made by the BBC and originally broadcast weekly between 1 January 1964 and 30 July 2006. It was traditionally shown every Thursday evening on BBC1, except for a short period on Fridays in late 1974, before being again moved to Fridays in 1996, and then to Sundays on BBC Two in 2005. Each weekly programme consisted of performances from some of that week's best-selling popular music artists, with a rundown of that week's singles chart. Additionally, there was a special edition of the programme on Christmas Day (and usually, until 1984, a second such edition a few days after Christmas), featuring some of the best-selling singles of the year.

Networks

Last Episode

Review of the Year 2023
Year 2023Episode 160 min

Review of the Year 2023

Clara Amfo looks back over many of the musical stories and highlights of 2023 with a mix of global stars, breakthrough artists and some of the biggest moments of the year.

Dec 28, 2023

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
2023-12-28Review of the Year 2023Dec 28, 2023
2022-12-24Review of the Year 2022Dec 24, 2022
2021-12-31New Year Special 2021/2022Dec 31, 2021
2021-12-25Christmas Special 2021Dec 25, 2021
2020-12-31New Year Special 2020/2021Dec 31, 2020
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

What was the date of the 'Top of the Pops' premiere in 1964?

The 'Top of the Pops' premiere was on January 1, 1964.

Who hosted the premiere episode of 'Top of the Pops' in 1964?

DJ Jimmy Savile hosted the premiere episode of 'Top of the Pops' in 1964.

What was the purpose of 'Top of the Pops' in 1964?

The purpose of 'Top of the Pops' in 1964 was to showcase popular music acts performing their latest hits.

What were the criteria for artists to appear on 'Top of the Pops' in 1964?

In 1964, the criteria for artists to appear on 'Top of the Pops' was that they must have a hit record in the UK charts.

Who were some of the artists that appeared on 'Top of the Pops' in 1964?

Artists who appeared on 'Top of the Pops' in 1964 include The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Supremes, The Kinks, and Dusty Springfield.

What was the format of 'Top of the Pops' in 1964?

The format of 'Top of the Pops' in 1964 featured a countdown of the chart positions of the week's top-selling singles, with live performances from some of the artists.

What was the official theme tune of 'Top of the Pops' in 1964?

The official theme tune of 'Top of the Pops' in 1964 was "Top of the Pops" by The Dave Clark Five.

How was 'Top of the Pops' received by audiences in 1964?

'Top of the Pops' was well-received by audiences in 1964, with its format of showcasing live music performances proving to be a hit with viewers.

Cast

Richard Bacon

Richard Bacon

plays himself
Kate Thornton

Kate Thornton

plays herself
Rufus Hound

Rufus Hound

plays himself
Richard Blackwood

Richard Blackwood

plays himself
Mel Giedroyc

Mel Giedroyc

voices herself
Mike Read

Mike Read

plays himself
Konnie Huq

Konnie Huq

plays herself
Josie D'Arby

Josie D'Arby

plays herself
View all cast

Characters

Presenter

Presenter

played by Richard Bacon
Presenter

Presenter

played by Kate Thornton
Presenter

Presenter

played by Rufus Hound
Presenter

Presenter

played by Richard Blackwood
Narrator

Narrator

voiced by Mel Giedroyc
Presenter

Presenter

played by Mike Read
Presenter

Presenter

played by Konnie Huq
Presenter

Presenter

played by Josie D'Arby
View all characters

Also known as

  • TOTP

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