Tomorrow's World 'not returning'

The show's name was used earlier this year, when ex-presenter Maggie Philbin covered technology issues in shorter slots on BBC One and BBC News 24.

But a BBC spokeswoman said there were "no plans" to reintroduce the full programme at present.

Press reports have suggested that the idea has been pitched to executives.

Although the series will not return, the spokeswoman said BBC News and BBC Breakfast would continue to use the Tomorrow's World format for some of their technology features.

"We are always exploring new ways of presenting science in exciting and innovative ways", she said, citing James May's 20th Century, Adam Hart-Davis' A Beginners Guide to the Cosmos and Michael Mosley's Street Science stories.

Tomorrow's World, which began in 1965, showcased pioneering science and inventions. One of its most famous presenters, Raymond Baxter, died last year aged 84.

Other presenters included Anna Ford, Howard Stableford and Carol Vorderman.