Desert Island Discs

Marianela Núñez, Principal dancer of the Royal Ballet and Opera, shares her journey from Argentina to becoming a celebrated ballerina. She reveals the emotional thrill of opening nights and the sacrifices made by her family. Marianela discusses the profound impact of Tchaikovsky's music in her performances and the challenges faced during her career, especially during the pandemic. With a cozy nod to her cats and a favorite blanket, she emphasizes the importance of community and resilience in both dance and life.

Gareth Southgate OBE, one of England's most successful football managers, shares his inspiring journey from a rejected teenager to leading the national team. He discusses his unique leadership approach and the emotional connection football has with the nation. Southgate reflects on the pressure of critical moments, like the memorable penalty shootout against Germany, emphasizing the importance of psychological support for players. He also reveals how music fuels his passion, intertwining his love for football with personal growth and community.

Cher, the iconic singer and actor, reflects on her remarkable journey from backup singer to global superstar. She shares stories about her tumultuous childhood and the influence of her mother on her artistic identity. Cher discusses the emotional resonance of her hit 'I Got You Babe' and the trials of navigating personal and professional relationships in the music industry. She also touches on motherhood, the challenges with her sons, and her love for music, culminating in a heartfelt connection to her favorite song, 'A Change Is Gonna Come.'

Former cricketer Ebony Rainford-Brent is the first Black woman to play for England and she was part of the team which won the Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2009. Today she is a broadcaster and cricket commentator for Channel 4, Sky Sports and the BBC’s Test Match Special.Ebony was born in south London and as a child it was football that caught her attention, especially Liverpool FC and her hero Robbie Fowler. At primary school she was encouraged to have a go at cricket through a charity called Cricket For Change which was set up to encourage more state school children into the sport. Holding a bat in her hands for the first time, she hit the ball as hard as she could and, as she watched it soar through the air, she was hooked.Ebony started out playing for Surrey Cricket Club’s Under 11’s team as a bowler. In 2003 a serious back injury forced her to stop playing and she thought her sporting career was over. She was determined to prove the medics wrong so she retrained as a batswoman as batting was easier on her back.In 2007 she made her debut for England and two years later was part of the World Cup-winning team. In 2020 Ebony joined forces with Surrey Cricket Club and founded the African-Caribbean Engagement Programme (ACE) to build grassroots cricket programmes for young people in black communities across the UK. In 2021 she was awarded an MBE for her services to cricket and charity.DISC ONE: Cold Sweat - James Brown DISC TWO: Girlie Girlie - Sophia George DISC THREE: Pass Me Over - Anthony Hamilton DISC FOUR: A Long Walk - Jill Scott DISC FIVE: Rock Steady - Aretha Franklin DISC SIX: Never Forget - Take That DISC SEVEN: Superheroes - Stormzy DISC EIGHT: Work To Do - The Isley Brothers BOOK CHOICE: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho LUXURY ITEM: A drum kit CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: A Long Walk - Jill Scott Presenter Lauren Laverne Producer Paula McGinley

Mark Steel, a celebrated comedian and writer, shares his journey from alternative comedy to becoming a beloved Radio 4 presenter. He reflects on his childhood connection to music, particularly how 'My Boy Lollipop' shaped his passion. Steel delves into his experiences with Johnny Cash’s activism, the evolution of stand-up, and the emotional complexities of tracing his birth parents. He also candidly discusses overcoming throat cancer and the relationships that have influenced his career, all while underscoring the power of music in his life.

Lauren Laverne talks to Ian Wright in an episode first broadcast in 2020.Ian Wright is a former professional footballer and now a football pundit on TV and radio. He began his career at Crystal Palace before moving to Arsenal where he became their highest goal scorer of all time, a record only surpassed eight years later by Thierry Henry.Born to a Jamaican couple in south-east London, Ian grew up with his mother and step-father. His biological father had left the family when Ian was under two years old. Things at home were difficult and Ian spent as much time as possible outside playing football.At his primary school a teacher, Mr Pigden, took him under his wing and Ian would later credit him with changing his life. He left his secondary school at the age of 14 to get a job. Although he took part in trials for many professional football clubs as a teenager, he was never selected. He continued to play for amateur sides. By the age of 21, he had three children to provide for, so when Crystal Palace came calling in 1985, he turned them down three times before accepting a two-week trial, followed by a three-month contract. His football career had finally begun.After impressing as a forward at Palace, he was bought by Arsenal for a record fee in 1991. He was called up to the England squad the same year and would go on to collect 33 caps. He spent his last couple of years in professional football at a number of clubs around the country and in total, he played 581 league games, scoring 387 goals for seven clubs in England and Scotland. Since his retirement from football in 2000, he has had a career as a pundit on both TV and radio.He has eight children and has been happily married to his second wife, Nancy, since 2011.DISC ONE: The Marriage of Figaro: Duettino - Sull'aria by Orchestra of the Deutsche Oper Berlin, composed by Lorenzo Da Ponte and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart DISC TWO: Looking For You by Kirk Franklin DISC THREE: River Deep Mountain High by Ike and Tina Turner DISC FOUR: Redemption Song by Bob Marley & The Wailers DISC FIVE: Mysteries of the World by MSFB DISC SIX: Endlessly by Randy Crawford DISC SEVEN: Crown by Stormzy DISC EIGHT: Just Fine by Mary J BligeBOOK CHOICE: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon LUXURY ITEM: A seven iron golf club and golf balls CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Endlessly by Randy CrawfordPresenter: Lauren Laverne Producer: Cathy Drysdale

Steven Knight, the mastermind behind Peaky Blinders, shares insights from his diverse career as a screenwriter and producer. He reflects on his Birmingham upbringing, emphasizing the role of music and storytelling in shaping his creativity. Knight discusses his journey from writing radio ads to creating iconic shows, including the global hit Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? He candidly explores the spontaneous nature of writing and the emotional connections tied to significant songs, all while highlighting the importance of community in the arts.

Mark Knopfler, co-founder of Dire Straits and renowned musician, shares insightful anecdotes from his journey. He discusses his unique songwriting approach, shaped by family influences and early struggles. Knopfler reflects on the demanding life of touring, emphasizing the intimate connection musicians have with their audience. He humorously examines fame's quirks, including a dinosaur named after him. The conversation concludes with his personal picks for island life, featuring a favorite book and a beloved guitar.

Sarah Raven, one of Britain’s renowned gardeners and an author, dives into her journey from medicine to cultivating a passion for plants. She shares nostalgic childhood memories tied to family and nature, revealing how grief influenced her path. Sarah discusses the art of container gardening, likening plant arrangements to weddings, and reflects on her evolution from a kitchen table start-up to a successful business. A delightful blend of music and memory highlights the emotional ties between gardening and well-being, showcasing the transformative power of nature.

In this captivating conversation, David Nicholls, acclaimed writer of the bestseller 'One Day,' shares his creative journey. He reflects on the emotional complexities of storytelling, blending joy and sadness in his narratives. Nicholls discusses the profound influence of music on his writing and the transformative power of personal experiences. From his transition from acting to authorship, he reveals how formative encounters shaped his career. With anecdotes about love, family, and the inspirations behind his works, this chat is a rich tapestry of creativity.