Jamie Oliver will be taking over editing duties on the Today programme (Picture: George Pimentel/Getty)
Jamie Oliver has promised to search for ‘big ideas to improve child health’ as he takes over guest editing duties on Radio 4’s Today programme.
With control of the BBC radio show, the TV chef is promising to question politicians about health campaigns and obesity prevention schemes.
Oliver, 47, is among several famous faces who will take control of the popular radio show across the festive period, staying in the position until the New Year.
The BBC said: ‘Jamie will use his programme to look for big ideas to improve child health and explore if doing good is good business.’
In a video posted to BBC Radio 4’s Twitter, Oliver announced: ‘[I have] the most amazing opportunity to look back over the last 20 years and the work I’ve been doing.’
‘The campaigns, things we’ve got over the line, the things we’ve failed at. I want it to be a really joyful, interesting, intimate thing that you can come and join.’
Joining Oliver will be Abba frontman Björn Ulvaeus, who has also been chosen to guest edit shows about Europe and the Eurovision Song Contest.
Kicking off the festive takeover on Boxing Day will be Lord Ian Botham, the former cricketer and chair of Durham County Cricket Club.
In addition, British-Iranian author Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe will be marking her first Christmas back in the UK by sitting in the Today editor’s seat.
ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus will also be on editing duties between Christmas and the New Year (Picture: Hutton Supancic/Getty/SXSW)
In previous years, the programme has handed over editorial control to names such as Prince Harry, Lewis Hamilton, and Angelina Jolie.
It has also seen Chelsea footballer Raheem Sterling, Bake Off judge Prue Leith, and musicians George the Poet and Jarvis Cocker guest edit the show in the past.
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The takeover is airing this year during the week after Christmas and into the New Year, between Boxing Day and January 2, 2023.
Owenna Griffiths, Today’s usual editor, said: ‘For nearly 20 years guest editors have created some of the most memorable moments in the programme’s history.’
‘I’m enormously grateful these guest editors have given up their time to bring new stories, unexpected perspectives and a little festive cheer.’
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The news that Oliver will be editing the Today programme comes shortly after it was announced that he’s made the move into kids’ stories.
His first children’s novel, entitled Billy and the Giant Adventure, is set to be released next year.
Listen to Today at 6am on BBC Radio 4 and on demand from BBC iPlayer.
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MORE : Jamie Oliver announces his first-ever children’s book: ‘It’s a beautiful story’
He’ll be guest editing the show after Christmas.
