Annie Nightingale’s Request Show is to return for a one-off special as part of Radio 1's 40th anniversary celebrations.

The BBC has announced that the popular programme, which has been off air since 1994, will broadcast for two hours on September 30.

Nightingale has described the show - which invited listeners to write in with song choices - as a “cult listen", crediting its appeal to the fact that it was "quite weird and quirky".

Callers have employed a variety of unusual methods to get their requests aired over its 12-year run, including writing on a brick and the rubber end of a shower attachment.

Nightingale said: "From week one the requests came in by the sack load. For me, getting so much mail - so many hilarious, poignant, witty, daring communications - was like Christmas every week. I read every single one and I loved doing that."

The 65-year-old currently presents a late-night dance show for the station.