Published on 28 August 2018
University of Sunderland honorary graduate and Radio 6 DJ Lauren Laverne is to present Desert Island discs while Kirsty Young takes a break.
It has been announced that Ms Young will be stepping away from the popular radio show for a "number of months" as she is suffering from a form of fibromyalgia.
Lauren, from Sunderland,is to host the popular Radio 4 show while Ms Young is off.
Ms Young said in a statement to the Press Association: "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.
"I wish Lauren all the very best, I know she will be great. I very much look forward to getting back to good health and back to work."
Lauren said: "It's 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."
Lauren later tweeted: "This autumn I'm going to be stepping into the biggest shoes in broadcasting for a while - to cover Desert Island Discs. Wishing the phenomenal Kirsty Young better very soon."