Sue Lawley has decided to stop presenting Desert Island Discs after 18 years.

Lawley has presented the show since 1987, interviewing celebrities ranging from Tony Blair to Jeremy Clarkson about which records they would take to a desert island with them.

She explained: "I've had more than 18 very happy years and have talked to some extraordinary people as they revealed themselves through their choice of music. It is one of the best jobs in broadcasting. But it has dominated my professional life and I feel the time has come to concentrate on other aspects of broadcasting and maybe a bit of business too."

BBC Radio 4 controller Mark Damazer added: "I tried hard to persuade Sue to change her mind but to no avail. She started her career as a journalist and is still a journalist at heart. She also has an enormous interest in people. Put these two attributes together and you end up with fascinating and entertaining interviews that are now the hallmark of Desert Island Discs. She will be a tough act to follow."

No decision has yet been made as to a successor.