Young back on BBC for first time in four years for Jubilee coverage
RADIO AND TV presenter Kirsty Young will return to the BBC for the first time since 2018 to lead the broadcaster’s Platinum Jubilee coverage.
Young, 53, previously presented BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs for 12 years before stepping down in 2019 due to illness.
She first stepped back from the programme in August 2018 after suffering from a form of fibromyalgia, a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body.
In July 2019 Young confirmed her break from the show would be permanent, saying it had inspired her to “pursue new challenges”.
Young will now return to the BBC in June to anchor a full weekend of programming for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
She will be joined by presenters including Huw Edwards, Clare Balding, AJ Odudu, Roman Kemp and Anita Rani. Hosts Young and Kemp, 29, will lead live coverage of the Platinum Party at the Palace which will take place on June 4 and air live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and across the BBC network.
The celebration will see famous faces from the world of entertainment brought together to perform for a night of musical tributes to celebrate the Jubilee. English singer-songwriter George Ezra is currently the only act to have been confirmed for the live concert.
Reporters across the UK will cover the celebration, including Jermaine Jenas at Buckingham Palace, Gethin Jones in Wales, Carol Kirkwood in Scotland, and Holly Hamilton in Northern Ireland.
Ahead of her return to the BBC, Young said: “I’m delighted to be back on the BBC for such an historic, unique, and happy event. It’s going to be quite a weekend and our coverage will bring viewers everywhere a front row seat at the celebrations. I can’t wait!”
The celebrations will also include the Platinum Pageant, during which Young will be joined by a variety of presenters, including Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du