TV Pop Diaries
Pop Music on British Television 1955 - 1999

A British version of the American hit show. Produced by Francis Essex.

Singers would act out the lyrics of the chosen song, which was a cheaper alternative to getting the original singer to perform live. But despite this they had plenty of talent in regulars Petula Clark and Dennis Lotis, backed by The Concert Orchestra and the George Mitchell Singers.

The show was dropped in 1952, but revived again to stave off competition from commercial television in October 1955.

HIT PARADE

BBC

14th January 1952 - 15th December 1952

17th October 1955 - 9th January 1956