TONY BLAIR - BBC SCHEDULES EXTRA NEWS BULLETIN

The BBC has scheduled an extra news bulletin as part of new-look weekday evenings on BBC1.

As a bridge between the Six O'Clock news and the Ten O'Clock news, an extra bulletin at 20:00 BST will now be broadcast after a successful pilot in the Midlands earlier this year.

Peter Fincham, controller at BBC1, said that the channel was "keeping up the pace of change" by adding the extra news show.

"It joins Panorama, now firmly established in the 20:30 BST Monday slot and The One Show, each weeknight at 19:00 BST," he said.

The announcement formed part of the BBC's programming agenda for the autumn, which will include an interview with Tony Blair.

Mr Fincham said the former prime minister will be seen speaking "candidly about his ten years" at Downing Street.

A behind-closed-doors documentary with the Queen is also scheduled following on from the broadcaster's programme documenting events at Windsor Castle last year.

Other highlights announced by the BBC include a new travel show from Michael Palin and the return of Strictly Come Dancing and Robin Hood.

Popular programmes such as Spooks, Waterloo Road, Silent Witness and Murphy's Law also return in the autumn.