Sandi Toksvig and her celebrity guests explore the Danish concept of 'hygge'

One of the few Danish words that British people have become familiar with, 'hygge' is a specifically Scandinavian notion of snugness, comfort and contentment. It's all about enjoying the simple pleasures, like curling up with a book on a rainy afternoon or cradling a cup of hot cocoa while wearing a chunky sweater.

In this convivial chat show, Danish comedian and author Sandi Toksvig takes a deep dive into both the concept and the Danish way of life. Broadcasting from her toasty log cabin deep in the heart of rural Denmark (complete with sauna, underground wine-cellar and three-tier bird bath that dispenses miniature hot towels), she invites her special guests to join her in front of an open fire and talk about what 'hygge' means to them.

Grayson Perry explains how learning new things can bring deep joy; Bridget Christie describes her love of running; Clive Myrie relates his passion for opera and poetry, and Brian Cox tells us how he finds comfort in physics, piano playing and Sibelius' Fifth Symphony. Sandi also chats about Australian Christmasses with Krishnan Guru-Murthy, discusses hopeless DIY with Andy Hamilton, muses on the soothing magic of fragrance with Lyse Doucet and hears from David Blunkett about mishaps in Braille and guide dogs behaving badly...

These funny, feelgood shows are full of cosy charm and congenial conversation, so join Sandi and friends as they talk 'hygge' and put the world to rights - all over a delectable mug of warm spiced wine.

Production credits

Hosted by Sandi Toksvig

Produced by Julia McKenzie

Additional material written by Simon Alcock, Charlie Dinkin, Rajiv Karia and Tasha Dhanraj

Production Coordinators: Carina Andrews and Katie Baum

Sound Recordist and Editor: Rich Evans

A BBC Studios Production

Series 1 featuring: Grayson Perry and Sindhu Vee, Bridget Christie and Clive Myrie, Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Rose & Rosie, Prof Brian Cox and Zoe Lyons, Alan Davies

Series 2 featuring: Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Gina Miller, Andy Hamilton, Lyse Doucet, David Blunkett

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 2-31 December 2020 (Series 1), 27-31 December 2021 (Series 2)