R.I.P. Top of the Pops

LONDON, June 22 (UPI) -- It's over for the world's longest running weekly music television show, "Top of the Pops," on the BBC.

The show first aired in British homes on New Year's Day in 1964 with BBC radio DJ Jimmy Savile, now Sir Jimmy.

The show's strong line-up sometimes included the Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Dusty Springfield, attracting audiences of as many as 15 million in the 1970s, the Telegraph reports.

However, "Top of the Pops'" viewing figures started to plunge, resulting in the show being moved from BBC1 to BBC2 last August.

Tony Blackburn, a host from 1967 to 1984, wasn't surprised by the move.

"It was inevitable really. Its time was up," he said.

The last show will be episode No. 2,204 and will air July 30.