BBC news presenter John Humphrys,  adventurer Levison Wood and broadcaster Dermot O’Leary confirmed

BBC news presenter John Humphrys, adventurer Levison Wood and bro

Former BBC news presenter John Humphrys is among a set of major new speakers added to the FT Weekend Oxford Literary Festival programme. They also include adventurer Levison Wood, broadcaster Dermot O’Leary, and screen actress Greta Scacchi. 

Humphrys will talk about his 30 years as one of the leading voices on BBC news and about his views on the state and the fate of the broadcasting corporation.

O’Leary and illustrator Nick East talk about their children’s book series featuring Toto the Ninja Cat. Scacchi, best known for roles in films such as White Mischief, Presumed Innocent, The Player, Emma and Looking for Albrandi, talks about her life and career.

Wood returns to the festival to talk about his latest book and television series that sees him following elephants on foot across Africa during their annual migration.

Irish novelist Edna O’Brien headlines a series of speakers interviewed in a BBC World Service broadcast from the festival.

Social historian and television presenter Ruth Goodman explains how the coal-fired range changed our world.

A special chocolate tasting features Chocolat author Joanne Harris and chocolatier David Greenwood-Haigh.

Speakers previously announced include BBC wildlife presenter Chris Packham; Wild Swans author Jung Chang; novelists Sebastian Barry, Donna Leon, Alexander McCall Smith, Penelope Lively, Maggie O’Farrell and Pat Barker; philosopher A C Grayling;  former President of the UK Supreme Court Brenda Hale and constitutional expert Vernon Bogdanor; former chief rabbi Jonathan Sacks; actor Trevor Eve; cricket commentator Henry Blofeld; Labour MP David Lammy; cookery writer Prue Leith; scientists Jim Al-Khallili and Steve Jones; religious commentator Karen Armstrong; and historians Lucy Worsley, Michael Wood, Tom Holland and
James Barr.