Desert Island Discs

Ann Patchett, writer

Ann Patchett is an American writer. She is the author of ten novels, several works of non-fiction and three children’s books. Her breakout hit, Bel Canto, won the PEN/Fau

T C Fairbairn

Plomley's castaway is impresario T C Fairbairn. Favourite track: Prize Song by Richard Wagner Book: The complete works by John Milton Luxury: Tape recorder

Pam Ayres

Roy Plomley's castaway is poet and broadcaster Pam Ayres. Favourite track: The New St George by John & Chris Leslie Book: The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth Luxu

Jimmy Mulville

Kirsty Young's castaway is Jimmy Mulville. He began his life in comedy as a performer and writer but success in front of the camera clearly wasn't enough - he set up the

Professor Dame Parveen Kumar

Professor Dame Parveen Kumar is a gastroenterologist and co-author of one of the most influential medical textbooks in the world - Kumar & Clark’s Clinical Medicine. S

Matt Haig, writer

Matt Haig is the bestselling writer, whose work ranges from magical realism to memoir. His novel The Midnight Library became a global phenomenon, selling 15 million copie

Richard Osman on managing his eating disorder

The writer and broadcaster Richard Osman was cast away by Lauren Laverne. He is the author of the Thursday Murder Club series and has presented popular BBC shows includi

Penelope Keith on knowing her Shakespeare

The actress Penelope Keith, who died earlier this year, was cast away by Roy Plomley in 1976. She became best known for her roles in the BBC sitcoms The Good Life and To

Anthony Joshua on his love for his mother

The boxer Anthony Joshua was cast away by Lauren Laverne in 2024. He is a two-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medallist who was raised by his mother after his

Kathy Burke on being saved by punk as a moody teenager

The actor and comedian Kathy Burke was cast away by Kirsty Young in 2010. She came to prominence when she appeared in Kevin and Perry TV sketches opposite Harry Enfield.

Stephen Mangan on why he'll never be Bond

The actor Stephen Mangan was cast away by Lauren Laverne in 2025. He made his breakthrough on television playing Adrian Mole in The Cappuccino Years in 2001. Although he

How Nick Cave's songs reveal themselves painfully to him

The singer songwriter Nick Cave was cast away by Lauren Laverne in 2025. He has written huge hits such as "Into My Arms" and "Where the Wild Roses Grow", but songwriting

Meera Syal on holding up a mirror to British society in Goodness Gracious Me

The actor and writer Meera Syal was cast away by Sue Lawley in 2003. She was awarded a Damehood earlier this year, but Meera Syal rose to prominence as one of the writer

Why Lyse Doucet doesn't want to be called a war reporter

The BBC's chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet was cast away by Lauren Laverne in 2022. She has reported from many war-torn countries, including Afghanistan, Ir

Gareth Southgate on putting on the England shirt for the first time

The former England manager Gareth Southgate was cast away by Lauren Laverne in 2024. He was 25 when he made his debut for the England team. By the time he retired from i

Michael Sheen on his father's time as a Jack Nicholson impersonator

The actor Michael Sheen was cast away by Lauren Laverne in 2025. He has portrayed many real people on stage including Tony Blair, Brian Clough and David Frost, though ne

Rick Rubin on finding the magic in music

Record producer Rick Rubin was cast away by Lauren Laverne in 2022. He is responsible for shaping the sound of artists such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Beastie

Caitlin Moran on the smells that defined her childhood

The writer and journalist Caitlin Moran was cast away by Kirsty Young in 2017. Her journey took her from a three-bedroom council house in Wolverhampton, where she lived

Romesh Ranganathan on finding his comedy sweet spot

The comedian Romesh Ranganathan was cast away by Lauren Laverne in 2025. He’s a BAFTA-winning broadcaster, standup, actor and writer who has been a fixture on British TV

Tanni Grey-Thompson on winning four Olympic golds in Sydney

The wheelchair athlete Tanni Grey-Thompson was cast away by Sue Lawley in 2001. She recalls the pressure to do well at the Sydney Olympics and the relief when she manage