Kirsty Young is to step down as the presenter of BBC1’s Crimewatch after seven years.
Young, who will front her last episode of Crimewatch in December, will continue presenting BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs.
“There are very few TV programmes that are part of the national fabric and my years working with the Crimewatch team have been a great privilege,” said Young. “With the crucial help of viewers, the show has played a pivotal role in solving crimes for more than 30 years; long may that invaluable work continue.”
Young joined Crimewatch in 2008 and worked on high-profile appeals including the disappearance of Madeleine McCann and the recent Hatton Garden heist.
“Kirsty has been such an integral part of Crimewatch over the last seven years and she will be greatly missed,” said Charlotte Moore, controller of BBC1. “Nevertheless, Kirsty will continue to play an important role on BBC1.”
She will also remain a key face of major event coverage such as Cue The Queen: Celebrating the Christmas Speech, a one-hour documentary looking at the monarch’s traditional Christmas message.
Next year, Young will present a one-hour programme honouring the work of Sir David Attenborough in his 90th year.
The BBC said a new BBC Crimewatch presenter would be appointed in due course.
