Clara Amfo replacing Reggie Yates as host of Top of the Pops

Clara Amfo is joining Top of the Pops as the show's first new face in over a decade.

The former Official Chart Show host, and current presenter of BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, will step in for Reggie Yates, who has bowed out of his position following anti-Jewish comments that he made in a recent podcast that he has described as "ill considered remarks".

Reggie was at the helm of TOTP alongside Fearne Cotton since 2004, and has returned each year since 2006 for the Christmas and New Year specials.

An excited Clara said: "I'm so happy and honoured to be presenting Top of the Pops alongside Fearne. It's an iconic show that I've grown up with and will continue to enjoy watching, especially during the festive season. 2017 has been a rich year in pop and I can't wait to celebrate it with the artists, Fearne and everyone at home."

The likes of Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa and Rita Ora will take part in this year's specials, which will also include Clean Bandit, Paloma Faith and The Script.

Clara has a busy schedule in the final month of 2017. Alongside Top of the Pops, Clara will present some festive specials of the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge featuring the likes of Sam Smith and London Grammar. She will also front the BBC's Year in Music special on BBC Two with Claudia Winkleman, which includes the presentation of this year's BBC Music Awards. 

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