Young to host Desert Island Discs

Kirsty Young: "There isn't a show on radio I'd rather present"

News presenter Kirsty Young is to be the next host of BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs programme.

She replaces Sue Lawley, who announced in April that she would step down after 18 years to concentrate on "other aspects of broadcasting".

Young, currently the main face of bulletins on TV channel Five, will be the fourth presenter of the show.

Guests choose eight pieces of music, the book and the luxury item they would want if stranded on a desert island.

"I've loved Desert Island Discs for as long as I've been listening to radio," Young said.

"Its enduring success is testament both to the brilliant format and consistently fascinating guests."

She added that she was "completely thrilled" to have been chosen.

'Perfect combination'

Mark Damazer, the controller of BBC Radio 4, paid tribute to Young's radio and television work, which he said he admired.

Roy Plomley devised the format and was host for 43 years

He said her "warmth and curiosity" would be "the perfect combination" for Desert Island Discs from this autumn.

The programme began in 1942, and its creator, Roy Plomley, was the presenter until his death in 1985.

Michael Parkinson took over before Lawley began her period in charge in 1987.

Previous castaways have included the past five British prime ministers and a wide range of well-known figures from politics, science, entertainment, literature and sport.