Philanthropist Bill Gates is set to be a castaway on long-running radio show Desert Island Discs.

The Microsoft founder, who through his Gates Foundation has donated billions of dollars to global health issues and international development, will be interviewed by host Kirsty Young.

Guests on the show are invited to choose eight discs, a book and a luxury item to take with them as they are castaway on a mythical desert island.

During the interview they explain their choices and discuss key moments in their lives, people and events that have influenced and inspired them and brought them to where they are today.

In 2014, Mr Gates was found to be the most admired person in the world, narrowly edging out US president Barack Obama for the top spot, according to a survey by YouGov for The Times.

He follows in the footsteps of recent castaways who include Kylie Minogue, Dame Judi Dench and Brooklyn author Colm Toibin.

The BBC Radio 4 series started broadcasting 74 years ago and celebrated its 3,000th edition in November 2014.

Mr Gates, 60, will feature on the January 31 edition of the programme at 11.15am.

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