'Noel snubbed the big red book'

Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher has reportedly turned down a chance to appear on the BBC series This Is Your Life after saying it was "naff".

The snub comes amid speculation that BBC bosses are set to axe the long-running celebrity tribute show, hosted by Michael Aspel.

The tired format in which host Michael Aspel surprises a star with a big red book and pays homage to their history with the help of friends and family is in need of a refresh, according to BBC bosses.

It has been decided that "the world of celebrity has moved on" and that a new way of focusing on people in the public eye is required.

A BBC spokesman said: "This Is Your Life is one of the best loved and longest running entertainment shows on British TV.

"However, the world of celebrity has moved on and we're looking at different ways of tackling this subject.

"We have asked Thames Television to come up with some new ideas to refresh this long running format."

He was unable to confirm whether the show would definitely end, saying it would depend on the ideas that were put forward.

The show, hosted previously on ITV by Eamonn Andrews, was first screened in 1955.

Past guests, who are all presented with a red book chronicling events in their lives, have included ex-EastEnders Martin Kemp and former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown.