Adams, Hockney for 'Today' guest editors

Former England footballer Tony Adams and artist David Hockney have been confirmed as guest editors for BBC Radio 4's Today programme over Christmas and New Year.

The six different guest editors will each take control of a third of the programme's output from December 28 to January 2, 2010. The Today team will help them form the editorial content and check that it fits within the BBC's guidelines.

For his programme, Adams has secured an interview with controversial Newcastle footballer Joey Barton, while the long-running racing tips section will be handled by the Duke of Devonshire.

Acclaimed artist Hockney will question whether there is too much legislation in contemporary UK society and see if smokers in the US and Europe are fighting back against the smoking ban.

In another programme, PD James will quiz BBC director general Mark Thompson about the future of the corporation. She will also interview fellow writer Lynda La Plant and former Police chief Sir Ian Blair about TV crime drama.

The other guest editors are musician Robert Wyatt, politician Shirley Williams and president of the Royal Society Martin Rees.

"The guest editors have become something of a Christmas tradition on Today and we're very pleased with this year's list," said Today editor Ceri Thomas. "They will bring their own unique expertise and new - often surprising - ideas to the editorial process."

Zadie Smith, Jarvis Cocker, Anthony Minghella and professor Stephen Hawking have all previously acted as guest editors on the programme.