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June 27, 2006updated 22 Nov 2022 7:57pm

Kirsty Young to present Desert Island Discs

By Press Gazette

The BBC has announced Kirsty Young as the new presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs.

She will start her new role at the beginning of the next series starting this autumn.

Young said: “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.”

Young is currently the main news anchor for Five’s Five News. She began her career on radio at BBC Scotland and has since presented on BBC Radio and TV and ITV.

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 Princess Margaret.

Mark Damazer, the controller of BBC Radio 4, said: “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.”

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Young will continue to present Five News' 5.30pm and 7pm bulletins.

You read it here first – Press Gazette predicted Young being chosen for the job back in April.

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

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