REPORT: LAURA BENJAMIN
T he BBC’s coronation coverage will be anchored by Huw Edwards and Kirsty Young, it was announced last week. Former Desert Island Discs host Kirsty, 54, will broadcast from a studio at Buckingham Palace on the day of the ceremony and present a special live show featuring the Coronation Concert from Windsor Castle the following day.
“I’m very happy indeed to be part of the BBC’s coronation coverage as our cameras capture history in the making,” Kirsty said. “Ceremony, spectacle and a right royal celebration – it’s got all the ingredients of a weekend worth watching.”
PRIME LOCATION
BBC News at Ten presenter Huw, 61, will provide TV audiences with live commentary as the doors of Westminster Abbey open to guests on the morning of 6 May.
He will be assisted by co-presenters Sophie Raworth, Clare Balding, Anita Rani and JJ Chalmers. Huw, who broke the news of the Queen’s death to the nation last September, said: “People will be relying on the BBC for coverage of what promises to be a memorable weekend.”
Meanwhile, Anita tells HELLO!: “It’s a huge moment in history and a huge honour to be part of the BBC’s presenting team. I can’t wait to witness another royal event from the sidelines.”
The programme will feature the lead-up to the service, the ceremony itself, the return procession to Buckingham Palace and the balcony appearance by the King, Queen and senior members of the royal family.
Coverage of the concert on Windsor Castle’s East Lawn will feature DJ and presenter Clara Amfo and Diversity dance group member Jordan Banjo conducting live interviews backstage with some of the artists who will be performing in front of around 20,000 people.
On BBC Radio and BBC Sounds, big names including Zoe Ball, Dermot O’Leary, Martha Kearney and royal correspondent Jonny Dymond will be part of the coverage. BBC Radio 2 breakfast show presenter Zoe said she was “thrilled” to be speaking to the stars before they take to the stage for a “fabulous celebration”.
CORONATION CHOIR
He is one of the most famous conductors in the UK – and now Gareth Malone (left) has been drafted in to help shape a 300-strong choir made up of different groups from across the country who will perform together at the concert on Windsor Castle’s East T
