Good Desert Island Discs Episodes?

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I adore Desert Island Discs and have listened to many, but of course not the whole back catalogue. Am now going back and trying to pick out some from years gone by - so any ones that you have particularly enjoyed - especially not from your typical “high profile” interviewee (as these are the ones I’m most likely to miss).

Did you hear the one on Sunday? I thought that was very moving.

George Michael’s one is lovely, very endearing. And of course, now poignant.

It was Elizabeth Anionwu.

I'm guessing you heard Ian Wright's episode recently? Definitely one of the best ever.

Was going to say I really liked dawn french and Rupert Everett. Both humble and very funny. But you’ve probs already lisented

Who would you recommend?

David Nott
Tom Hanks
Joyce Didonato
Pretty much any with Kirsty Young. They only one I've ever not listened all the way through to is the one with the actress who played Dot in Eastenders. She was a crank.

@spring hmm good question. Like above loved George Michael. Another one that surprised me was Jo Malone - I enjoyed that. Hmm would need to put my thinking cap on.

@TankGirl97 I haven’t actually and love Ian Wright. I’ve missed quite a few recent ones during lockdown as I usually listen in the car (and haven’t been in the car so much).

Another vote for David Nott. What an extraordinary man.

I really enjoyed Sabrina Cohen-Hatton's episode. It was quite recent though so I'm sure you've heard it.

Bill Franklin - one I listen to over and over, just an extraordinary life.

Stephen Graham was good.

Yes Rupert Everett was a good one. I’ve also loved Sandi Toksvig, Doreen Lawrence, Martina Navratilova, Ian Wright, businessman Tidjane Thiam, Victoria Wood. I have a feeling Tom Hanks and Whoopi Goldberg were good too but it’s been a long time since I heard them.

I really enjoyed Sabrina Cohen-Hatton's episode. It was quite recent though so I'm sure you've heard it.

Was coming on here to say Stephen Graham as well

Nigel Owens. Welsh rugby referee. But even if you've never heard of him, or don't know one end of a rugby ball from the other, don't let that put you off. It's a 'must listen'. I've recommended it to various people who had no idea who he was, and they loved it.

Victoria Wood as she was notoriously private so it's lovely to hear her talk so openly. Very sad too though of course to listen posthumously.

David Nott. The bit with the Queen at lunch was both hilarious and so sad.

Russell T Davies
Pam Ayres
Judith Kerr
Beryl Virtue was good for name dropping.
Dame Sally Davies

Jilly Cooper

And YY Judith Kerr.

Definitely Judith Kerr and Russell T Davies although the latter is hard to listen to because he genuinely sounds like a man part shut down by trauma. Ian Wright very emotional, also Tracy Thorn. Malorie Blackman had loads of interesting things to say, Hugh Masekela seemed to have been everywhere that anything was going on at any given point in his life. George Clooney was good for a giggle. And ofc the infamous Elisabeth Schwartzkopf episode where she chose six of her own recordings plus der Rosenkavalier. Why the fuck not? She was a diva: why listen to anyone else?

Nigel Owens, dame Sue Black, John Timpson, David Nott, Tim Minchin, and if you miss listening to his voice, Sir Terry Wogan are among my favourites.

The one with Bruce Springsteen was wonderful.

Nigel Owens
Jilly Cooper
Jo Malone
Sir Antony Seldon
Professor Monica Grady
Professor Sue Black
Cressida Dick
Mary Berry
So many others too, I love a good Desert Island Discs

Tony Adams. I remember listening to it in the office and trying not to cry. I never knew much about him, or any interest in football, but he was a candid and fascinating guest.