Comic takes over R4 show at Christmas

Al Murray is to a be a guest editor of Radio 4's flagship Today programme over the festive period.

It is part of a recent tradition, which began in 2003, of having famous people set half the the show’s agenda between Christmas and New Year.

Murray said: 'I'm looking forward to guest editing the Today Programme. Even though it means I'll have to get up early and listen to the first hour.'>

The other guest editors this year are poet Benjamin Zephaniah, Bill Gates's philanthropist wife Melinda, geneticist Sir Paul Nurse and Daily Mail journalist Dame Ann Leslie will also take part

Editor Ceri Thomas said: 'The guest editors have been responsible for some remarkable radio journalism over the years. hey often surprise us with their interests and ideas and this year's line-up should be no exception.’

Murray follows in the footsteps of fellow comic Stewart Lee – an Oxford contemporary – who took the reins for a day last year.

Other guest editors have included Jarvis Cocker, Professor Stephen Hawking, Bono and Yoko Ono.

Murray yesterday wrote a piece about his love of visiting battlefields for the Sunday Express.

Published: 26 Nov 2012