Sir Jimmy back for TOTP Special

They're back: Jamie Theakston, Zoe Ball and Sir Jimmy

Original Top Of The Pops host Sir Jimmy Savile will step back in time on Friday to be a host once again for a special edition of the popular music show.

Sir Jimmy will be making a special guest appearance on the hour-long show which marks its return to London's BBC Television Centre after an absence of 10 years.

Steps will perform new single Words Are Not Enough

The new-look programme will also feature TV presenters Zoe Ball and Dermot O'Leary on the team.

But Sir Jimmy, 74, has been quick to point out that his appearance does not mark his return to the show he last presented in the 1980s.

"The BBC haven't got that much money, they can't afford me," he said. "I have a feeling they'll keep reeling me back in every now and then like a big fish."

He first introduced the enduring show from a converted church in Manchester on New Year's Day in 1964.

Natalie Imbruglia is among the performers

On that first night Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Dusty Springfield were among the performers.

Cigar-smoking Sir Jimmy said although the look of the current show was different, the spirit of the programme remained.

"For me, it's the same because the fun is the same," he said. "It's still as exciting, it's just different technically. But the spirit is the same because teenagers are still teenagers."

After the first TOTP in Manchester, the show moved to TV Centre where it stayed for 25 years before moving to Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire.

Sir Jimmy was also the subject of a Louis Theroux interview

Friday's show will take a look back at the 37 years of the show as well as include performances by Steps, Cher, Westlife, Natalie Imbruglia and Craig David.

Regular presenter Jamie Theakston will also be presenting - joining his former BBC One Live and Kicking co-presenter Zoe Ball.