Kirsty Young has announced that she will be taking a “number of months” off Desert Island Discs due to fibromyalgia.
Young will host the first 2 episodes, with BBC Radio 6 Music’s Lauren Laverne stepping in to present the remainder of the series.
“Casting away some of the world’s most fascinating people is a wonderful job – however, I’m having to take some time away from Desert Island Discs as I’m suffering from a form of fibromyalgia,” she explained.
“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.”
Just 4 presenters have hosted the show since it started in 1942.
Laverne stated it was “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.
“I wish Kirsty better and will do my very best to look after Desert Island Discs until her return.”
Laverne will continue to host the mid-morning show on 6 Music and takes over the Breakfast Show in January.
