Scottish presenters Eddie Mair and Kirsty Young have topped a poll to find the most attractive voices on radio.

The duo were chosen in a vote by more than 32,000 Radio Times readers.

BBC's Kirsty Young
BBC’s Kirsty Young (Abigail Zoe Martin/BBC)

But Eddie told the magazine that he did little to help Kirsty as he once gave her some terrible career advice.

He asked Kirsty: “Do you remember when you were on Good Morning Scotland doing the news and STV made you an offer?

“You asked for my advice and I said: ‘Kirsty, don’t do it. No one will ever hear from you again.’”

Kirsty Young joining Channel 5 in 1996
Kirsty Young joining Channel 5 in 1996 (PA)

Kirsty, 47, recalled: “You said: ‘You’re mad to leave the BBC.’”

Despite Eddie’s advice, Kirsty found success at STV – the ITV franchisee – and went on to work for Channel 5. She later returned to BBC to host shows including Desert Island Discs.

Eddie, 50, who presents Radio 4′s PM, admitted: “Terrible advice. Thankfully, you didn’t take it.”

The two are long-time colleagues and first worked together at BBC Scotland.

Eddie Mair appearing on The Andrew Marr Show
Eddie Mair appearing on The Andrew Marr Show (Jeff Overs/BBC)

Kirsty recalled: “Eddie was working in the newsroom as a presenter and I’d go in and read bulletins.

“I remember the first Gulf War (1990–91). There was a lot of massing on the border at Khafji and we had to say it properly. Eddie sat opposite me, I’d say it three or four times in the bulletin and each time, Eddie mimed flicking the phlegm off his tie.

“So he’s always been very supportive in that way.”

Eddie Mair
Eddie Mair (Rolf Marriott/BBC)

To select their favourite male and female voices, radio fans were asked to choose between 40 names suggested by a panel of experts including Jeremy Vine, Nick Ferrari, Sue MacGregor, John Humphrys and Eddie himself.

Other favourites in the top 10 included Charlotte Green, Jenni Murray, Ken Bruce and John Suchet.

When the poll was last run 14 years ago, Radio 4 continuity announcer Charlotte and veteran broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan were revealed as the public’s favourites.

This week’s Radio Times is on sale now.