‘Losing sense of self’: Kirsty Young opens up about illness on Desert Island Discs
Former presenter tells current host Lauren Laverne of pain of stepping back from career due to chronic conditions

Kirsty Young has recalled how having to step away from broadcasting for a few years due to her chronic pain condition caused her to question her own identity, saying “you lose your sense of self”.
Appearing on a special edition of Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, which she presented for 12 years, Young told current host Lauren Laverne that she is now feeling “so much better” – and reflected on the experience of returning to broadcasting.