IT has its origins in a converted church in Manchester but long-running music show Top of the Pops is set to go global.
The programme is to be broadcast on radio on the BBC World Service, it was announced today meaning the famous theme tune will go out to an audience of 42 million in a weekly show for the English language service of the network.
Radio 1 presenter Emma B will host the show which will count down the UK's biggest selling singles.
TOTP -- which next year celebrates its 40th anniversary -- is already known in 100 countries.
The World Service shows, which begin in April, finish with the number one song, but will also include gossip and news about high-flying acts.
Cowey said: "Top of the Pops on BBC World Service is good news for pop music fans around the world. Now, more people than ever will be part of the show that put the 'pop' in popular."
UK listeners can hear the World Service via the Internet, on digital radio, and through TVs on Sky digital satellite and Freeview, as well as on Medium Wave 648 and overnight on Radio 4.
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