BBC2 clears schedule to screen Jackson service

BBC2 is to clear its schedule to screen the Michael Jackson memorial service live.

The channel will devote an hour and a half to the event in Los Angeles from 6pm with DJ Trevor Nelson hosting the coverage - it will also be shown on the BBC's HD channel.

TV channel Five has already devoted a 90-minute slot to the live event.

The BBC's decision to pull its advertised programmes follows last week's decision to overhaul BBC1 programmes to allow extended live coverage of Andy Murray's game against Stanislas Wawrinka.

Nick Vaughan-Barratt, head of BBC Events, said: "Michael Jackson is one of the most influential pop stars of all time and we're pleased to bring BBC viewers coverage of this important event.

"The executive producer in LA has described the rehearsals as awesome, powerful and tearful so we're expecting a moving tribute this evening."