Who are the Christmas guest editors on the Today programme?
OVER the last 20 years BBC Radio 4’s Today programme has invited high-profile guest editors onto the show between Christmas and New Year.
Here we take a look at who will to take the reins on the BBC‘s flagship current affairs broadcast during this year’s festive season.
Who are the Christmas guest editors on the Today programme?
Past guest editors on the Today programme over the Christmas period include Prince Harry, Greta Thunberg, Louis Hamilton, Stephen Hawking, Ian Botham, Raheem Stirling — and a whole host of influential famous faces.
Speaking about those taking up the mantle this year, editor of the Today programme Owenna Griffiths said: “Over the past twenty years, the guest editors on Today have become a highlight of the Christmas period. This year is no exception.
“I’m enormously grateful to all these guest editors who will give up their time to bring new stories, different perspectives and a little festive cheer to the Today audience.”
Dr Nicky Fox — December 23
Dr Nicky Fox is NASA’s head of science.
She will take a look at science education and the influence of outer space on popular music.
Hanif Kureishi — Boxing Day
Author and screenwriter Hanif Kureishi sustained life changing injuries after a fall in Rome a year ago.
Hanif has documented his experiences in a blog since then, and his programme on Boxing Day comes exactly a year to the day since his accident.
During the show he will delve into the impact the injuries he sustained have affected his family and changed the way he writes.
James May — December 27
James May, The Grand Tour and former Top Gear presenter, will look at the future for autonomous cars.
He will also investigate whether a person’s hobbies can improve their health and wellbeing.
Ellie Goulding — December 28
Ellie Goulding — musician, activist and philanthropist — will the examine climate and nature.
Ellie will also explore the work being done in an effort to make the music industry more sustainable.
Andrew Malkinson — December 29
Andrew Malkinson served 17 years in prison for a crime he did not commit.
Despite insisting he was innocent and DNA evidence supporting his claim, he was the victim of a major miscarriage of justice.
Malkinson’s programme will look at the psychological effects of wrongful detention, the barriers to education experienced in prison, and the way his love for science and astronomy brought him the strength and resilience he needed to survive while he behind bars.
Professor Jason Arday — December 30
Professor Jason Arday was named as one of the youngest people ever appointed to a Professorship at Cambridge University this year.
He will look at the stigma and shame associated with adult low-level literacy.
Jason was diagnosed with global development delay and autism at the age of three.
He didn’t learn to speak until he was 11 years old — and learned to read and write aged 18.
His programme will also delve into ’90s culture.
Dame Emma Walmsley — January 1
Dame Emma Walmsley, CEO of global biopharma company, GSK will be closing the Today programme’s guest editor series.
Emma’s New Year’s Day programme will take an optimistic look ahead at how people, business and society can become healthier in the UK.
When is the Today programme on BBC Radio 4?
The early morning programme usually airs on BBC Radio 4 between 6am and 9am.
All of the yuletide editions of the show will be broadcast between these time, aside from one.
However, the Professor Jason Arday guest edit is scheduled to be on the airwaves from 7am to 10am on December 30.