BBC Radio Christmas 2025 line-up confirmed – with Hollywood legend set as guest editor for the Today programme

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This Christmas, BBC Radio 4’s Today programme will feature some well-known guest editors. Cate Blanchett, Theresa May, and historian Tom Holland are among those scheduled to take the reins during the festive season, as announced by the BBC.

I’m so excited that Melvyn Bragg, Sir James Dyson, and Mustafa Suleyman are joining us! Each of them will be putting together their own special episode between December 24th and 31st – it’s going to be amazing to see what they come up with.

The holiday season begins on Christmas Eve with a special feature by Bragg, who will delve into the history behind the nativity story.

As a critic, I’m really intrigued by the upcoming episodes of this show. On Boxing Day, James Dyson is diving into a fascinating question: can Britain rediscover its knack for innovation? Then, the day after, Cate Blanchett takes the reins, and she’s tackling some seriously important stuff. She’ll be looking at how artificial intelligence is changing things, especially for women working in film – and the wider implications of that technology are going to be explored too. It sounds like a thoughtful and timely pair of episodes.

On December 29th, Suleyman will lead a discussion about how we can adapt to a world where superintelligent AI exists.

On December 30th, Holland will present a special program celebrating England’s 1100th anniversary and discussing how artificial intelligence is changing academic research.

On December 31st, May will focus her guest editing on important issues like domestic violence, political trust, and modern slavery.

Owenna Griffiths, the editor of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, explained that each Christmas, the show invites guest editors to bring new perspectives, stories, and a bit of festive cheer.

As always, this year’s guest editors will provide valuable insight and clarity in our ever-changing world, and I sincerely appreciate their dedication and time commitment.

Lorraine Kelly, known for her work on television, will be on BBC Radio 2 for the first time this Christmas as part of their holiday programming.

Kelly will be filling in for Jeremy Vine on the radio over the holidays. The station is also planning a special program featuring Jane McDonald and Trevor Nelson, who will be celebrating the music of Stevie Wonder.

Radio 4 will be offering a special holiday lineup, including a new episode of Desert Island Discs featuring Kate Winslet. Listeners can also enjoy a 75th anniversary celebration of the long-running drama, The Archers, a fresh adaptation of P.G. Wodehouse’s ‘Joy in the Morning,’ and a new performance of T.S. Eliot’s ‘Murder in the Cathedral’.

This Christmas, Radio 1 will be the first to play the official Christmas Number 1 song. Plus, the popular Presenter Takeover is back, giving up-and-coming DJs a chance to host some of the station’s best-known shows.

Radio 3 plans to offer a mix of classic carols, thoughtful moments, and joyful music this holiday season. They’ll broadcast carols live throughout the day, from sunrise to sunset, and will also feature a special service from St John’s College, Cambridge.

Throughout the Christmas season, the BBC’s orchestras and choirs will be performing concerts on its radio stations.

Radio 5 Live has a lot coming up for listeners, including live sports coverage and special programs. Highlights include a celebration of the 500th episode of Elis James and John Robins’ show, a holiday special with Roman Kemp and Tom Grennan called ‘You About?’, and a new show hosted by Wayne Rooney.

Radio 6 Music has a special lineup this year! Jarvis Cocker and Bill Nighy will be filling in for Iggy Pop, Beth Ditto will create a playlist of indie disco classics, Nick Grimshaw will recap the year’s highlights, and Craig Charles will play the best in funk and soul.

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2025-11-24 16:04