FOR THE LAST 12 years, Kirsty Young has been the voice associated with lazy Sunday mornings.
Having taken over from Sue Lawley as the host of Desert Island Discs in 2006, the Scottish broadcaster has brought the BBC institution to a whole new audience, and has been responsible for some of the most memorable interviews of the show’s 76-year-run.
Today, however, it has been announced that Kirsty has had to step down as the show’s presenter following a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
The 49-year-old host issued a statement confirming that she will be replaced by BBC presenter, Lauren Laverne.
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 added:
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.
Lauren paid tribute to her predecessor on Twitter, and wished her well in the months to come.
This autumn I’m going to be stepping into the biggest shoes in broadcasting for a while - to cover #DesertIslandDiscs. Wishing the phenomenal Kirsty Young better very soon. https://t.co/sePMA48BR9
— Lauren Laverne (@laurenlaverne) August 30, 2018
For Desert Island Discs die-hards, the news has come as somewhat of a blow, and Kirsty is currently trending on Twitter.
Former castaways and members of the public have wasted no time adding their voice to the conversation today.
Wishing Kirsty Young the speediest recovery possible, whilst being thrilled that @laurenlaverne is now to become Queen of Desert Island Discs. Those big shoes are in safe hands.
— Caitlin Moran (@caitlinmoran) August 30, 2018
People often ask me who my favourite radio presenters is - this lady is certainly in my top 3 and I hope she has a speedy recovery as the world needs her back as soon as possiblehttps://t.co/k6ZhmcHR0i
— Will Leahy (@willleahy) August 30, 2018
Sorry to see Kirsty Young standing down from Desert Island Discs, she is a fine interviewer and has a wonderful speaking voice. As a fellow sufferer from Fibromyalgia, I hope that her health improves with more rest and time to focus on her own wellbeing
— hilary fawcett (@bestboomer) August 30, 2018
So sad to hear that Kirsty Young is in such pain, and has to leave "Desert Island Discs" for a bit. She is the most empathetic, gently probing and likeable of interviewers. Get well soon!!
— Steven Isserlis (@StevenIsserlis) August 30, 2018
Sad to hear that Kirsty Young is having to take a break from Desert Island Discs for a bit. She's so wise and warm that she's made the programme indispensible. I think @laurenlaverne is a great choice to step in for her.
— Beccameriel (@BeccaMeriel) August 30, 2018
In a statement, Lauren acknowledged the esteem with which listeners hold Kirsty, and as a fan, she says she wants to do her proud.
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.
