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Tony Blackburn is to join ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 2 to present the iconic Saturday afternoon chart run-down show Pick Of The Pops from Saturday 6 November 2010.

Each week Pick Of The Pops takes a look at the music releases from that week in a particular year ranging from 1960 to the present day, and can be heard on Radio 2 on Saturdays from 1-3.00pm.

Pick Of The Pops, based on the Top 20 UK singles chart, was first broadcast on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Light Programme in 1955, transferring to ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 1 from 1967 (and simulcast on Radio 2). Its last edition in its original form was in September 1972.

The legendary show returned to Radio 2 in 1997 under the auspices of its equally legendary host, Alan Freeman, who continued to present the programme until his retirement three years later. Since 2000 the show has been hosted by Dale Winton, who has continued to make the show one of the most popular programmes on Radio 2.

Commenting on his return, Tony says: "I'm delighted to be taking up the reins of one of radio's most iconic and famous shows at the UK's most listened to radio station. I'm very much looking forward to indulging in two hours of fantastic, rarely heard music from across the decades each week."

Since launching Radio 1 in 1967 Tony Blackburn has long been associated with ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio. Most recently he presented the UK's Million Sellers Chart on Radio 2 over August Bank Holiday weekend, and he continues to present The Best Of Soul & Motown on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ London 94.9FM – where he's been presenting for more than 20 years – on Sundays.

Lewis Carnie, Head of Programmes, Radio 2, says: "I'm delighted to welcome Tony Blackburn to Radio 2 on a permanent basis. He is one of this country's legendary broadcasters and brings a wealth of knowledge of popular music spanning the years. I'd like to thank Dale for being such a tremendous host of Pick Of The Pops for the last decade, and I look forward to continuing our relationship with him on future Radio 2 projects."

Dale's last edition of Pick Of The Pops will be broadcast on Saturday 30 October 2010.

Pick Of The Pops is a Unique production for ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 2.

Radio 2 Publicity