Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett and former Prime Minister Baroness Theresa May are among six public figures who will guest editor BBC Radio 4’s Today program over the Christmas period.
Broadcaster Melvyn Bragg, historian and podcaster Tom Holland, inventor Sir James Dyson and Microsoft’s head of artificial intelligence (AI) Mustafa Suleyman will also guest edit shows between December 24 and 31.
For 22 years, the news program has handed over editorial direction to guest editors during the holidays.
Owenna Griffiths, editor of Today, said: “In a rapidly changing world, this year’s guest editors will help bring enlightenment and understanding.”
He added: “Every Christmas on Today, a new group of guest editors move in, bringing with them a wonderful array of new stories, fresh ideas and, hopefully, a dash of joy. This year is no exception.”
Blanchett’s show on December 27 will look at the impact of AI technology on women in the film industry and how different countries are responding to the refugee crisis.
It is also expected to explore sustainability in the fashion industry and why gardening is good for the soul.
The guest editors begin on Christmas Eve with a Bragg program focusing on the origins of the Nativity story, as well as changing social attitudes towards mental health.
He will also examine the value of culture in British society as he looks back on his six-decade career, which includes The South Bank Show, as well as the Radio 4 documentary series In Our Time.
On Boxing Day, an edition of Sir James, the billionaire inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner, will consider how the UK could boost its entrepreneurial spirit.
Other topics of discussion on his show include how close we are to finding a cure for dementia and the science behind long-distance running.
Suleyman is scheduled to discuss how we might navigate the realities of a potential world with artificial superintelligence on December 29.
You will also reflect on what AI will mean for some of the central aspects of human existence.
The Netherlands show on December 30 will celebrate England’s 1,100th birthday and explore the impact of AI on academic research.
Then, on New Year’s Eve, guest editing from Baroness May will cover domestic violence, trust in politics and modern slavery.
Since the Christmas guest editing feature was introduced on Today in 2003, guest editors on the show have included physicist Stephen Hawking, actress Angelina Jolie and singer Ellie Goulding.
