Kirsty Young takes break from Desert Island Discs after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia
The popular presenter will be replaced by Lauren Laverne for a 'number of months'
DESERT Island Discs host Kirsty Young will take a break from the Radio 4 show for a "number of months" as she battles fibromyalgia.
DJ Lauren Laverne will host the long-running BBC Radio Four show while Kirsty is away.
Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body, according to the NHS.
Kirsty 49, said in a statement: "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.
"And 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."
Desert Island Discs returns on September 16 and Kirsty will host the first two episodes with castaways opera singer Danielle de Niese and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh.
Lauren will host the third episode of Desert Island Discs onwards and will continue to present her weekday mid-morning show on BBC Radio 6 Music.
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Kirsty, who found fame presenting Channel Five News, recently won praise for her coverage of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's wedding.
She took over from Sue Lawley as the host of Desert Island Discs in 2006 and has interviewed stars including Tom Hanks, Goldie Hawn and Whoopi Goldberg.
As well as widespread pain, people with fibromyalgia syndome may also experience increased sensitivity to pain, fatigue, muscle stiffness and headaches.
There is currently no cure for the condition but there are treatments to help relieve some of the symptoms.
Painful fibro is a mystery
FIBROMYALGIA is a puzzling condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness.
There’s often muscle stiffness, extreme tiredness, insomnia and problems with memory and concentration.
It is also sometimes linked with headaches and IBS.
Nobody knows the cause, though it can follow trauma or an infection.
It can be hard to diagnose as there are no lab tests.
Treatment includes lifestyle changes and painkillers.
- By Carol Cooper, Sun Doctor
