Monty Python's Michael Palin to edit Radio 4's Today programme

The comedian will guest host the show and invite John Cleese on-air

Monty Python's Michael Palin will guest present Radio 4's 'Today' programme this winter (London Features International)

Not content with bringing the "Dead Parrot" back to life in a recently-announced reunion show, Monty Python's circus will be flying into host Radio 4's Today programme too.

The news comes after 1970s comedy troupe revealed their comeback yesterday to great excitement from fans.

Co-actor John Cleese will join Palin at one point to discuss the controversy sparked by their blasphemous 1979 film, The Life Of Brian.

Palin, 70, who is also known for his travel documentaries, will chair a meeting of globally-renowned travel writers to explore their role in discovering the world, and reveal his findings from a recent trip to Ethiopia.

Other comedy stars to feature on Today as part of Radio 4's Christmas 'Comedy Advent Calendar' will include Mitchell & Webb, Johnny Vegas and Marcus Brigstocke.

Musician PJ Harvey, former director general of MI5 Eliza Manningham Buller, founder of the web Sir Tim Berners Lee and Anthony Jenkins, group chief executive of Barclays have also been lined up to guest present the flagship programme.

Harvey will discuss her artistic influences while Berners Lee will look at how the internet might develop.

As per the last decade, each editor will head up half of the show's output, with usual staff on hand to ensure that BBC editorial guidelines are met and all material is newsworthy.

Professor Stephen Hawking, author Zadie Smith, Yoko Ono and artist David Hockney are among Today's previous hosts.