Cowell wants to take TOTP to ITV

X Factor judge Simon Cowell has said he would like to buy the rights to the Top of the Pops from the BBC and broadcast it on ITV.

"I would rather it came to us than just sit in the dustbin," he said.

On Tuesday, the BBC announced The Top of the Pops Christmas Special - a regular fixture in the festive viewing calendar - will not be shown this year.

"If the BBC wanted to do a deal, and I can get ITV to buy it and broadcast it, I'd put it on ITV," said Cowell.

Speaking at the 14th National Television Awards in London on Wednesday night, he said he would be approaching the BBC.

"Possibly tomorrow," he added.

On Thursday, the BBC said they haven't been approached by Cowell.

'More interesting'

Cowell has joined a growing number of people, including Culture Secretary Andy Burnham and pop act The Ting Tings, calling for the show's return.

"It's been a good year for music and I think it's part of the tradition. It's not as though people aren't interested in music at the moment," said Cowell.

"Maybe we could make it a bit more interesting," he said.

Last year's Top of the Pops seasonal special featured such acts as Girls Aloud, the Proclaimers and singer Kate Nash.

The BBC will screen eight special episodes of the programme's archive spin-off, TOTP2, rather than a Christmas special this year.

Top of the Pops was decommissioned in 2006 after 42 years on the air.

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