Kirsty returns to the Desert Island

For 12 years she presented one of the country’s most popular radio shows, playing her celebrity guests’ favourite music and gently quizzing them about the stories behind their choices.

Now Kirsty Young will herself be a guest on Desert Island Discs, appearing on a special Christmas Day show as the series celebrates its 80th anniversary.

The 54-year-old said of her time on the show: “It was a slightly discombobulating and thoroughly enjoyable experience.”

Young joins actress Cate Blanchett and film director Steven Spielberg who are also set to appear in a series of festive specials helmed by current host Lauren Laverne.