The lasting appeal of hymns, the power of prayer and a changing Christian landscape have all contributed to the longevity of Songs of Praise, according to long-serving presenter Pam Rhodes.
The BBC programme is marking its 65th anniversary with a special edition presented by Rhodes and Aled Jones.
Rhodes, who joined the programme in 1987, told Premier Christian Radio that hymns remain central to its appeal because they combine music with words that can stay with people throughout their lives.
“They are a bit like prayers in our pocket,” she said.
For her, hymns give people words to turn to during difficult moments, describing them as a “tremendous gift”.
Rhodes, who also presents Hearts and Hymns on Premier, also recalled how the programme changed when words to hymns began appearing on screen.
“In the early years we didn't have the words on screen,” she said, because producers believed the expressions on people's faces were “very moving and inspiring”.
But after viewers asked for the words to be shown, she said it became “the biggest karaoke in the world”, creating a sense of fellowship among those watching and singing along.
Over more than three decades on the programme, Rhodes has interviewed both well-known figures and people whose stories were unfamiliar to television audiences.
She recalled meeting Dolly Parton, who she described as a “deeply Christian lady”.
“She looked fantastic. I mean, who could look that good in the mornings?” Rhodes said.
Parton, who died earlier this year, also provided Rhodes with a humorous memory. She recalled Parton saying her mother had told her never to go to church wearing a skirt that was too short.
Rhodes said she had also been particularly struck by stories about forgiveness and prayer.
One was the story of Vincent Uzoma, a teacher who was stabbed by a 14-year-old pupil after confiscating the boy's phone.
Rhodes recalled how Uzoma later spoke about the teenager following his conviction.
“He said, ‘I forgive him because I cannot carry the burden of hatred or resentment around with me’,” she said.
For Rhodes, those stories show themes she has repeatedly encountered through Songs of Praise, including forgiveness and prayer.
“How many people talk about desperately difficult times in their lives, and how prayer, even at the time when it felt as if it was going nowhere, is always heard,” she said.
“God hears, and prayer has power.”
Rhodes also reflected on how the programme has broadened the range of Christian traditions it features.
While Songs of Praise was once perceived as predominantly Anglican, she said it now reflects a much wider range of worship styles.
“Every programme has traditional hymns that are dearly loved,” she said. “Every programme has worship songs that are popular and are being sung today in perhaps more evangelical churches.”
She added that gospel music was also now a regular part of the programme.
Rhodes recalled one woman who had watched Songs of Praise from its early years but had not seen people who looked like her represented on the programme.
That changed when the programme broadcast a major gospel recording from Southwark Cathedral in 1984.
“She was looking and suddenly thought, ‘This is my faith. This is my religion. This is my worship’,” Rhodes said.
She said the programme was continuing to evolve, particularly through digital platforms.
Younger audiences can now watch Songs of Praise through podcasts, the internet and social media, extending its reach beyond its traditional television audience.