Entertainment

Ed Sheeran to pick his Desert Island Discs when BBC Radio 4 show returns

The popular programme has aired for 75 years and has featured over 3,000 guests.
The popular programme has aired for 75 years and has featured over 3,000 guests. The popular programme has aired for 75 years and has featured over 3,000 guests.

Ed Sheeran is to appear as the first castaway when Desert Island Discs returns for a new series in May.

Singer-songwriter Ed, 26, has had a stellar year so far, topping the charts for several weeks with his single Shape Of You and third album Divide.

His appearance on the BBC Radio 4 programme, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in January, sees him follow in the footsteps of previous high-profile guests including Bruce Springsteen, Kylie Minogue, Noel Gallagher and Michael Buble.

Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran (Isabel Infantes/PA)

Those who appear on Desert Island Discs are interviewed by the programme’s host Kirsty Young about their influences and life experiences, while revealing their choice of eight discs to take with them to a fictional desert island.

Guests are also allowed to choose one luxury item and a book to take with them, along with the complete works of Shakespeare and the Bible.

Ed’s Shape Of You topped the singles chart for 13 consecutive weeks, while the top five has been frequently dominated with his tracks, including Galway Girl and Castle On The Hill, both peaking at number two.

Divide has been named the UK’s biggest-selling record of the year so far and has been at the top of the album charts for five weeks.

:: Ed’s Desert Island Discs interview will be broadcast on Sunday May 7 at 11.15am.