BBC Two is to clear its schedule tonight to screen the Michael Jackson memorial service live.

The announcement comes despite the corporation receiving more than 700 complaints about its news coverage after Jackson's death, which some viewers considered excessive.

The channel will devote an hour and a half to the event from 6pm with DJ Trevor Nelson hosting the coverage. It will also be shown on the BBC’s HD channel.

The 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 BBC One 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.”

The channel had been due to show a repeat of the quiz show Eggheads at 6pm followed half an hour later by a repeat of Bargain Hunt Famous Finds, with Helen Lederer and Bobby Davro.

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