Roy Plomley by the guest's choice of music. His contract was renewed for a further 15 shows. In the end he presented 1,791 editions of the programme stretching over 43 years. Its success was attributed to his skill as an interviewer and to his meticulous research. Plomley was succeeded as presenter by Michael Parkinson (1985–1988), then by Sue Lawley (1988–2006), and most recently by Kirsty Young. "Desert Island Discs" is the second longest-running radio programme in the world (after the Grand Ole Opry), and it is still running. Until late September 2009, unlike many other BBC radio programmes, "Desert Island Discs" was
Andy Archer (radio presenter) years, and in 1967 joined Radio Caroline, remaining as a presenter until the station shut down the following year. He presented on Radio North Sea International in 1970 and 1971, and then returned to Radio Caroline when it resumed broadcasting in 1972. In 1975 he moved to on-shore broadcasting when he joined Radio Orwell, broadcasting from Ipswich in Suffolk, where he was the drive time presenter. He was an extremely popular presenter in the local area during his time at Orwell. During this time he also worked as a continuity announcer for Tyne Tees Television and Television South West. He