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Image: John Masters, Compere of Housewives' Choice, in 1951

The music request programme Housewives' Choice started on 4 March 1946. It was part of a new post-war schedule for the Light Programme, and was intended for women left at home while their men were at work, although the presenters were invariably male. The first week was introduced by Robert MacDermot. Other presenters over the years included Gilbert Harding, Eamonn Andrews, Edmundo Ros, Sam Costa and George Elrick. At its height Housewives' Choice received 3000 requests a week.

The signature tune - 'In Party Mood' - written by Jack Strachey - became synonymous with the Light Programme, not least because it was heard on six mornings a week. The presenter George Elrick was caught singing along on an open mic, a musical ad lib which proved so popular with listeners that it became a regular part of Elrick's presenting, inspiring him to add lyrics such as "I'll see you all again tomorrow morning".

Housewives' Choice ended in 1967 with the Light Programme, replaced by Family Choice on the new Radio 2, a reflection of the changing audience. However, Housewives' Choice remains an iconic Light Programme show and the theme tune still signifies an old-fashioned domestic optimism.