Clara Amfo replaces Reggie Yates on Top of the Pops

Radio 1 DJ takes Yates' place after he chose to step down following controversial remarks about Jewish music managers

Clara Amfo has been announced as the new co-presenter of Top of the Pops (Getty)

Clara Amfo has stepped in to co-present Top of the Pops' Christmas and New Year specials after Reggie Yates stepped down from the BBC show.

Amfo will now front the show alongside Fearne Cotton - the specials will feature performances from Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa and Rita Ora.

In a statement, the Radio 1 presenter 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 scene. 2017 has been a rich year in pop and I can't wait to celebrate it with the artists, Fearne, and everyone at home."

Yates announced he would no longer co-present after comments he made on the Halfcast Podcast caused controversy last month.

The presenter and documentary maker said it was "great" to see how grime artists were no longer being managed by "some random fat Jewish guy from north-west London".

Yates was accused of anti-Semitism on social media and later made a statement addressing the comments.

"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 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."