BBC2 is to clear its schedule to screen the Michael Jackson monument service live.
The channel will devote an sixty minutes 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 determination to venture its advertised programmes follows extreme week’session decision to overhaul BBC1 programmes to allow extended enjoy life 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 fact.
"The executive producer in LA has described the rehearsals as awesome, strong and tearful so we’re expecting a moving tribute this evening."
