Channel 5 news presenter Kirsty Young is to be the new presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs from the beginning of the next series starting this autumn.
Kirsty will be the fourth presenter to host one of the longest running shows on BBC Radio, in which guests are invited to choose the eight pieces of music, one book and one luxury item they would take with them if stranded on a desert island.
Previous castaways have included the last five UK Prime Ministers and the likes of Noel Coward, George Clooney, Doris Lessing, Stephen Hawking and HRH Princess Margaret. Kirsty Young says: “I’ve loved Desert Island Discs for as long as I’ve been listening to radio. “Its enduring success is testament both to the brilliant format and consistently fascinating guests. “There isn’t a show on radio I’d rather present. I’m completely thrilled to be doing it and can’t wait to get started.”
Mark Damazer, Controller, Radio 4, says: “I’m delighted Kirsty Young will be taking over Desert Island Discs. I have admired her work on radio and television for a number of years. She combines warmth and curiosity – the perfect combination to make a success of the programme.”
Desert Island Discs was first broadcast on 29 January 1942 and presented by its creator Roy Plomley until his death in 1985. Michael Parkinson held the reins until Sue Lawley took over in 1988. Kirsty began her career on radio at BBC Scotland and has since presented on BBC Radio and TV and ITV.