Kirsty Young is quitting Desert Island Discs after 12 glorious years at the helm of the beloved Radio 4 programme, deciding instead to “pursue new challenges”.
Since joining Desert Island Discs in 2006, Young has presented 496 episodes of the programme and her insightful interviewing style and ability to get under the skin of her subjects has marked her out as one of the best presenters the show has ever had.
From poignant heart to hearts with Dawn French and Lily Allen, to teasing out classic anecdotes from Tom Hanks and Steve McQueen, here are Young’s top 10 Desert Island Discs interviews.
On announcement of her departure, Young described her tenure as “12 incredibly happy and fulfilling years”.
The BBC said 6 Music presenter Lauren Laverne, who was drafted in as cover for Young during her recent absence, will continue to host Desert Island Discs “for the foreseeable future”.
