BBC Radio 4's Today Programme Welcomes Star-Studded Guest Editors for Festive Season
Published 24 November 2025
Highlights
- Cate Blanchett and Theresa May are among six public figures guest editing BBC Radio 4's Today programme over Christmas.
- Blanchett will explore AI's impact on women in film, sustainability in fashion, and the refugee crisis on 27 December.
- Theresa May will address domestic violence, modern slavery, and trust in politics on New Year's Eve.
- Other guest editors include Melvyn Bragg, Tom Holland, Sir James Dyson, and Mustafa Suleyman.
- The guest edit feature, running since 2003, has previously included Stephen Hawking and Angelina Jolie.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: BBC Radio 4's Today Programme Welcomes Star-Studded Guest Editors for Festive Season
BBC Radio 4's Today programme is set to feature a distinguished lineup of guest editors over the Christmas period, including Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett and former UK Prime Minister Theresa May. This annual tradition, now in its 22nd year, invites prominent figures to bring fresh perspectives and stories to the airwaves.
Diverse Topics and Perspectives
The guest edit series will kick off on Christmas Eve with broadcaster Melvyn Bragg, who will delve into the origins of the nativity story and evolving social attitudes towards mental health. Bragg, known for his long-standing contribution to cultural programming, will also reflect on the value of culture in British society.
On 27 December, Cate Blanchett will take the helm, focusing on the impact of artificial intelligence on women in the film industry. Blanchett, who has previously expressed concerns about AI, will also discuss sustainability in fashion and the global response to the refugee crisis. Her programme promises to offer a nuanced exploration of these pressing issues.
Exploring Technology and Society
Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind and head of AI at Microsoft, will address the potential realities of a world with artificial superintelligence on 29 December. His programme will consider how AI might reshape core aspects of human existence, providing a counterpoint to Blanchett's scepticism.
Historian Tom Holland will celebrate England's 1,100th birthday on 30 December, while examining AI's influence on academic research. Meanwhile, Sir James Dyson will explore entrepreneurial spirit and scientific advancements on Boxing Day, including the pursuit of a dementia cure.
Addressing Social Issues
Theresa May will conclude the series on New Year's Eve, tackling themes of domestic violence, modern slavery, and the erosion of trust in politics. May's editorial will draw from her political experiences and insights, offering a critical look at these societal challenges.
Since its inception in 2003, the guest edit feature has hosted a variety of influential figures, including physicist Stephen Hawking and actress Angelina Jolie. Owenna Griffiths, editor of Today, expressed gratitude for this year's participants, noting their potential to illuminate and inspire during a rapidly changing world.
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Scenario Analysis
The diverse array of topics covered by this year's guest editors reflects the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing society today. As Blanchett and Suleyman explore the implications of AI, their discussions could spark broader public debate on the ethical and practical considerations of emerging technologies. Theresa May's focus on trust in politics and social issues may resonate with audiences amid ongoing political turbulence, potentially influencing public discourse and policy considerations. The inclusion of cultural and historical reflections by Bragg and Holland adds depth to the series, offering listeners a chance to reflect on the past while contemplating the future.
BBC Radio 4's Today programme is set to feature a distinguished lineup of guest editors over the Christmas period, including Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett and former UK Prime Minister Theresa May. This annual tradition, now in its 22nd year, invites prominent figures to bring fresh perspectives and stories to the airwaves.
Diverse Topics and Perspectives
The guest edit series will kick off on Christmas Eve with broadcaster Melvyn Bragg, who will delve into the origins of the nativity story and evolving social attitudes towards mental health. Bragg, known for his long-standing contribution to cultural programming, will also reflect on the value of culture in British society.
On 27 December, Cate Blanchett will take the helm, focusing on the impact of artificial intelligence on women in the film industry. Blanchett, who has previously expressed concerns about AI, will also discuss sustainability in fashion and the global response to the refugee crisis. Her programme promises to offer a nuanced exploration of these pressing issues.
Exploring Technology and Society
Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind and head of AI at Microsoft, will address the potential realities of a world with artificial superintelligence on 29 December. His programme will consider how AI might reshape core aspects of human existence, providing a counterpoint to Blanchett's scepticism.
Historian Tom Holland will celebrate England's 1,100th birthday on 30 December, while examining AI's influence on academic research. Meanwhile, Sir James Dyson will explore entrepreneurial spirit and scientific advancements on Boxing Day, including the pursuit of a dementia cure.
Addressing Social Issues
Theresa May will conclude the series on New Year's Eve, tackling themes of domestic violence, modern slavery, and the erosion of trust in politics. May's editorial will draw from her political experiences and insights, offering a critical look at these societal challenges.
Since its inception in 2003, the guest edit feature has hosted a variety of influential figures, including physicist Stephen Hawking and actress Angelina Jolie. Owenna Griffiths, editor of Today, expressed gratitude for this year's participants, noting their potential to illuminate and inspire during a rapidly changing world.
What this might mean
The diverse array of topics covered by this year's guest editors reflects the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing society today. As Blanchett and Suleyman explore the implications of AI, their discussions could spark broader public debate on the ethical and practical considerations of emerging technologies. Theresa May's focus on trust in politics and social issues may resonate with audiences amid ongoing political turbulence, potentially influencing public discourse and policy considerations. The inclusion of cultural and historical reflections by Bragg and Holland adds depth to the series, offering listeners a chance to reflect on the past while contemplating the future.
