The presenter took a leave of absence from Desert Island Discs in August 2018 after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but on Friday she announced her departure from the programme would be permanent.
The BBC said 6 Music presenter Lauren Laverne, who was drafted in as cover for Young during her recent absence, will continue to host Desert Island Discs “for the foreseeable future”.
Kirsty Young has stepped down as the host of Radio 4’s iconic interview show Desert Island Discs after 12 years at the helm.
Since joining Desert Island Discs in 2006, Young has presented 496 episodes of the programme.