Angelina Jolie will present an episode of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme as part of a special lineup of celebrities and influencers set to takeover as editors over the festive period.
The Hollywood actor and United Nations special envoy is expected to invite refugees and survivors of conflict onto the show in a bid to highlight some of they key issues they face, such as violence against women.
Her episode will air on 28 December and will also explore“themes of justice, accountability and international leadership.”
Jolie’s spokesperson said the Maleficent star was “grateful” for the opportunity “to draw on the BBC’s global expertise and network to explore practical solutions to a number of pressing issues of our time.
“She has already begun working with the Today programme team, and is looking forward to engaging a broad and diverse range of voices in the programme.”
The festive lineup, which will see new hosts editing the show between 22 December and 1 January, will be kickstarted with outgoing Question Time host David Dimbleby.
Other guest editors to take the reigns of the show include historian Andrew Roberts, Lastminute.com co-founder Martha Lane Fox and novelist Kamila Shamsie, who won this year’s women’s prize for fiction.
Feminist blogger Chidera Eggerue, who started the #saggyboobsmatter hashtag, will also guest edit an episode of the programme, using her spot to talk about body positivity.
Last year’s Christmas guest editor line-up included Prince Harry, but it was 2016’s all-female roster that received widespread praise, with boxer Nicola Adams, businesswoman Helena Morrissey and actor Carey Mulligan hosting an episode each.
“The tradition of Christmas guest editors is part of the programme’s tapestry,” comments Sarah Sands, editor of Today.
“We aim to challenge and to enlighten and the wide range of perspectives will bring a seasonal richness to the programme.”
