MTV pop show gets UK launch

Dave Berry will present TRL

MTV is launching a British version of its TRL (Total Request Live) show, which is seen as one of US pop music's most influential programmes.

TRL in the US helped boost the careers of Britney Spears and Eminem, and made a star of presenter Carson Daly.

Now MTV bosses in the UK are keen to emulate its success with a daily live UK version, hosted by relative newcomer Dave Berry.

The show is hoping to secure the top name guests of its American counterpart, where the likes of Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Justin Timberlake often drop in.

The US version is filmed in a glass-fronted studio with a backdrop of New York's Times Square, where hundreds of teenage fans often turn up to catch a glimpse of their favourite pop stars.

Launching on 19 August, the UK show will be filmed in front of an audience with a countdown of viewers' favourite videos and star interviews.

Click here to read more about the hit US show TRL

Michiel Bakker, managing director of MTV Networks UK & Ireland, said: "TRL is quite simply the biggest show that we have ever launched at MTV UK.

"By scheduling the show in the afternoon, we are bringing something totally new to that slot and creating a unique platform for stars to reach the post-school or college audience."

He added that the show would keep "all the excitement that comes with a live, studio based programme filmed in front of an enthusiastic audience".

TRL's popularity in the US has been helped by some memorable guest spots.

In 1998, Britney Spears unveiled her debut single Hit Me Baby One More Time on the show.

In 2001, Mariah Carey almost stripped off on the show, before handing out ice creams to audience members. Days later she checked herself in to a hospital.

Later that year, actor and rapper Will Smith had a boxing match with host Carson Daly to promote his movie Ali.