The UK television programme, based around sheepdog trials, was axed when bosses at the corporation decided it was time to close the pen behind the show's 23-year run.

But after their move provoked an outcry from fans and rural supporters the BBC backed down and has decided on a one off special in a completely new format. The Christmas show will be longer and an "affectionate tribute" presented by regular host Robin Page showing life in the kennel as well as in the field.

The programme will go to Sky TV

If this year's special gets an enthusiastic response, then bosses have said they could commission more specials which would handle sheepdog trials in a new way.

Mr Page told BBC News Online he was optimistic about the future: "I will do my best for the special and hope that we will all learn from the experience. I'm very hopeful this will lead to a new version of One Man for the millennium."

He was disappointed that the series had been cancelled, but said "a special is better than nothing".

Commenting on the corporation bosses' decision he said: "The BBC knows it made a mistake, that it misjudged the level of support and it knows the decision was premature."

Chance for change

BBC Two controller Jane Root said the special could spark a new style: "I have been bowled over by the public reaction to the decision to end One Man And His Dog in its current form.

This special programme will be a chance for us to celebrate some of its special qualities and explore whether it might work on television in a different format.

"If the response to the special is overwhelming as the reaction we have seen from the public in the last few weeks, then I will think very hard about making events like this part of the year on BBC Two."