John Humphrys closed Today with the Trainspotting monologue – and pulled it off

“Who needs reasons when you’ve got Radio 4?”

Listeners to Radio 4’s current affairs show Today were treated to something slightly off-brand this morning (25 January). Veteran BBC presenter John Humphrys closed the show with his own take of the famous ‘Choose Life’ monologue from Trainspotting.

There were, unsurprisingly, a few amendments made to the text, originally written by John Hodge and performed by Ewan McGregor back in 1996. The swearing was left out, while the memorable ending – “Who needs reasons when you’ve got heroin?” – became “Who needs reasons when you’ve got Radio 4?”

The tribute comes in the week that Trainspotting sequel T2: Trainspotting comes to cinemas. You can listen to Young Fathers’ brand new track taken from the soundtrack here.

Meanwhile, you can hear Humphrys take on the monologue below.

(via NME)