Pick of the Pops 'rested' by BBC

By Chris Heard
BBC News Online entertainment staff

Winton is due to return to Radio 2 in the spring

Pick of the Pops, one of the longest surviving shows on radio, is being "rested", the BBC has said.

The Radio 2 classic hits show hosted by Dale Winton will be replaced by Dermot's Saturday Club, hosted by Big Brother TV presenter Dermot O'Leary.

Pick of the Pops will return next spring in an unspecified slot. The move is part of an autumn schedule shake-up.

It first aired in 1962 and became a weekly institution with DJ Alan Freeman's famous chart countdowns.

O'Leary takes over Winton's Saturday afternoon slot

It was later revived as an oldies showcase, complete with Freeman's catchphrases "Greetings pop pickers!" and "All right? Not 'arf!".

Its latest incarnation has been on Radio 2 since 1997 and hosted by Winton since April 2000.

It has been part of an output that has seen Radio 2 become the UK's most popular station, with 13.4 million listeners per week.

The changes come into play from 4 September, with other new shows for stage star Elaine Page and singer Lulu.

Paige will host a Sunday show with music from stage and screen, while Lulu presents a programme celebrating the art of songwriting.

O' Leary's show will include exclusive first time broadcasts and live sessions. Other weekend shows will be hosted by Mark Lamarr, Bob Harris and Helen Mayhew, plus a new Tuesday show for Desmond Carrington.