Joe G
      Eddi Reader has 'an interest in folk music' and you're 'not sure' about George Michael.
An 'interest' is not good enough for me, I'm afraid- I just detest the schmaltzy singing of ER & having had GM's singing inflicted on me many times without asking, I would prefer to remain in ignorance of how he would treat the MacColl classic! Why not use the writer's own version?

It's all a choice and I have no problem with pop singers doing folk songs, or the reverse!! but based on my preferences, why would I CHOOSE to listen to a programme containing such crap?

I'm sure Michael Morpurgo did a grand job of it, but for me, Radio 3 was my CHOICE & that's what it comes down to.