Clara Amfo Replaces Reggie Yates On ‘Top Of The Pops’ Following Anti-Semitism Controversy

The BBC has announced that Claro Amfo has been appointed as the new co-host of this year’s ‘Top Of The Pops’ specials.

Claro will present both Christmas Day episode and the New Year one that follows, alongside Fearne Cotton, after the departure of Reggie Yates earlier this week.

<strong>Claro Amfo</strong>

Announcing the news, Clara – best known for presenting the mid-morning show on Radio 1 – 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 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.”

Clara’s appointment to the ‘Top Of The Pops’ family marks the first time a new presenter has joined the show in more than a decade.

Acts to perform across the two shows include some of the year’s biggest talents, including Clean Bandit, Rita Ora and Dua Lipa, with Ed Sheeran and The Script also taking to the stage.

Reggie Yates previously served as Fearne’s co-presenter on every Christmas and New Year special since the full series of ‘Top Of The Pops’ went off the air in 2006.

He stepped down after coming under fire for comments he made about the music industry during an interview on a music podcast, stating: “[These grime artists are] independent, they’re not managed by some random fat Jewish guy from north west London, they’re managed by their brethren.”

<strong>Former 'Top Of The Pops' duo Reggie Yates and Fearne Cotton</strong>

Explaining his decision to leave ‘Top Of The Pops’, Reggie said: “On a recent podcast, during a discussion about grime artists, I made some ill-considered remarks which have hurt many people.

“I can see clearly that the words I used reinforced offensive stereotypes, and that there is no context that would justify such remarks.

“My comments are no reflection on how I truly feel, and I would like to apologise unreservedly to the Jewish community, people in the music industry and anyone else I have offended.

“This has been, and continues to be a huge learning experience for me, and on reflection I have taken the decision to step down from hosting ‘Top Of The Pops’ this year.”

‘Top Of The Pops’ returns to BBC One on Christmas Day.