Mr Blunkett appeared on Celebrity Mastermind with John Humphrys

Now ex-Work and Pensions Secretary David Blunkett is going to get his own back - by taking over as guest editor of the Radio 4 show after Christmas.

Mr Blunkett, who will quiz Humphrys about the state of British journalism, says he hopes his stint will "be entertaining" and not full of politics.

Queen Noor of Jordan and Anna Ford will also guest edit the show.

'What an opportunity'

Mr Blunkett, who resigned after breaking the ministerial code of conduct over paid work he took while out of the Cabinet, says he is keen to take over the Today reins.

"Editing the Today programme is something that I'm sure most listeners (and I am very much a listener now) would want to have a go at," he said.

Today's guest editors have brought some fascinating and thought-provoking radio to Today listeners and always from a fresh standpoint Kevin Marsh Today editor

"I'm particularly keen to reflect a better social and geographical spread, without alienating the traditional audience.

"I hope it will be entertaining - not full of heavy politics."

BBC News reader Anna Ford - a former Today presenter - will tackle ageism during her turn on the programme.

She said: "At last a chance to get my hands on the running order and content - what an opportunity. I'm really looking forward to it."

Queen Noor will measure progress towards the UN's Millennium Development Goals during her session on Today.

Sarah Ferguson

HSBC boss Sir John Bond and Steve "Chandrasonic" Savale, from the band Asian Dub Foundation, will also take to the airwaves between 27 and 31 December.

They follow in the footsteps of previous Today guest editors, including: Bono, the Duchess of York, Lord Tebbit, Anthony Minghella and Professor Stephen Hawking.

The programme's regular editor, Kevin Marsh, said: "Today's guest editors have been a great success.

"They've brought some fascinating and thought-provoking radio to Today listeners and always from a fresh standpoint."