Desert Island break
Pain condition forces Kirsty to take time off
KIRSTY Young is taking time out from Desert Island Discs after being diagnosed with the chronic pain condition fibromyalgia.
DJ Lauren Laverne, 40, will temporarily take over the popular Radio 4 show from Kirsty, 49, in late September.
Ex-Crimewatch presenter Kirsty said: “Casting away some of the world’s most fascinating people is a wonderful job.
“I wish Lauren all the very best, I know she will be great. And I very much look forward to getting back to good health and back to work.”
When the show returns on September 16, Kirsty will present the first two episodes.
Opera singer Danielle de Niese and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh will be her castaways choosing the records, books and luxuries they would take to a desert island.
Lauren, who will also become 6 Music’s new weekday Breakfast Show presenter from January, said: “It’s a huge honour to be asked to cover my favourite programme on behalf of one of my heroes.
“As a listener first and foremost, I know what a special place Desert Island Discs holds in the hearts of the British public. So much of that is down to the warmth, wit and peerless skill of Kirsty Young.”
She added: “I wish Kirsty better and will do my very best to look after Desert Island Discs until her return.”