The Woman's Hour Takeover 2017
The Woman's Hour Takeover week is coming... but which five incredible women will be following in the footsteps of JK Rowling, Angelina Jolie, Mary Berry and Doreen Lawrence and guest editing the programme this year? And what are the topics close to their heart that they want to explore on air? Here's what to expect when it all kicks off on Monday 26 June.
Shirley Hughes
The writer and illustrator behind much-loved children’s books Dogger and Alfie, Shirley Hughes will guest edit Monday's edition of Woman's Hour and she has some treats in store.
We'll be taking a look at the home studio where her characters come to life and she'll give a master class for aspiring picture book writers and illustrators. And, as a lover of fashion and a talented seamstress, Shirley will also let us peek inside her wardrobe and at the clothes she's made to keep her looking stylish and individual as she nears her 90th birthday.
Ellie Simmonds
At just 22, swimmer Ellie Simmonds can add the title of "Woman's Hour's youngest ever guest editor" to her long list of achievements and accolades - which already includes numerous world records, an OBE and being a five-time Paralympic Champion. Impressive.
She takes the helm of Tuesday's programme in the middle of her 'gap year', and can't wait to share her new-found love of travelling solo - something she says has had a massive impact on her confidence. She's also super passionate about ocean conservation and the joys of volunteering.
Dame Ann Dowling
How do girls decide what to study at GCSE, A Level and university? That's just one of the subject's Wednesday's guest editor Dame Ann Dowling will be exploring.
As the first woman to become professor of engineering at the University of Cambridge and the current President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, she's also perfectly placed to explore the role engineering can play in modern life, from medical imaging and therapy to wi-fi and mobile phones. She'll also be discussing her other passions - flying and opera.
WATCH: Dame Ann Dowling on the wonders of engineering
READ: Five things we learnt about women in engineering from Professor Dame Ann Dowling
Zawe Ashton
Best known as Vod in student comedy Fresh Meat, actress Zawe Ashton is also a writer, producer and director and she'll be running the show on Thursday.
Zawe starts the day with Woman's Hour and finds the concept of taking over "very intriguing". And she's got a bumper show lined up, from the perils of period anxiety (and what it's like being convinced it's started while you're on stage in front of an audience - eek), to black women in the aristocracy and one of her favourite designers Roksanda Ilincic.
READ: Zawe Ashton on period paranoia and the fear of bleeding on stage
Karen Blackett
No stranger to the programme, Friday's guest editor Karen Blackett featured on the Woman's Hour Powerlist as one of 2015's 'Influencers'.
As the chair of one of the world's leading media agencies, MediaCom, she's perfectly placed to talk about why empathy is key to making diversity work in the workplace and whether brands can really make the world a better place.
READ: Why you need to show more empathy at work (and five tips to help you) from Karen Blackett
The Woman's Hour Takeover kicks off at 10:00 BST on Monday 26th June 2017 on BBC Radio 4. Listen in live from Monday to Friday or catch up online or with your favourite podcast provider.
