A nostalgic, warm-hearted memoir from one of the producers of the cult-hit TV show Father Ted.'What a treat - it brought the whole experience flooding back. A feast for fans of the show or indeed anyone interested in the creative chaos of making television' Graham NortonThree decades after it first appeared on screen, Father Ted is still cherished, quoted and endlessly re-watched. Its beloved main characters, unforgettable lines and extraordinary visual jokes have given birth to a thousand gifs and t-shirts and a million catchphrases.Unforgettable to watch, it was also unforgettable to work on. Lissa Evans, as producer of the second and third series, spent three years hovering anxiously over every moment, from the first glimpse of script to the last revolution of a runaway milk-float round a specially-built plywood roundabout. There was no ‘average Father Ted episode’ – each of them was stuffed with challenges; endless rain, lustful rabbits, clerics crashing through windows, sheep doubles, collapsing crosses and a never-ending stream of eccentric priests – and the work that went into its creation was often nearly as bizarre as what was happening on screen.Picnic on Craggy Island is a hugely affectionate and anecdotal account of what lay behind some of those moments of comic genius – so pull on your kagoule, spread out your blanket, unwrap the sandwiches (they’re all egg) and enjoy the picnic… Read more

Romans! Madrigals! The Dark Ages! Evolutions! Trumpets! The Oranges of The First World War!All of this (except trumpets) and more is covered in this definitive, illustrated, easy-clean history of all world history so far, written by the twenty-first century's leading historian, philosopher and thought-thinker, Philomena Cunk.Focusing on the inventions, art and brainboxes that made the modern world the unbearable place it is today, The World According to Cunk is the history book to end all history books. From the birth of the first baby caveman to the invention of the poo emoji. Some say history is written by the Victors. But they're wrong - it's written by the Philomenas. Well, a Philomena. The one on the cover. Yes, her, from TikTok Read more

80TH BIRTHDAY EDITION - NOW WITH 10 NEW TALL TALES!THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'Connolly's raucous run through his life is as furious, funny and foul-mouthed as you'd expect' Sunday TimesIn December 2018, after fifty years of belly-laughs, energy and outrage, Billy Connolly announced his retirement from live stand-up comedy. It had been an extraordinary career.When he first started out in the late sixties, Billy played the banjo in the folk clubs of Scotland. Between songs, he would improvise a bit, telling anecdotes from the Clyde shipyard where he'd worked. In the process, he made all kinds of discoveries about what audiences found funny, from his own brilliant mimes to the power of speaking irreverently about politics or explicitly about sex. He began to understand the craft of great storytelling. Soon the songs became shorter and the monologues longer, and Billy quickly became recognised as one of the most exciting comedians of his generation.Tall Tales and Wee Stories brings together the very best of Billy's storytelling for the first time and includes his most famous routines including, The Last Supper, Jojoba Shampoo, Incontinence Pants and Shouting at Wildebeest. With an introduction and original illustrations by Billy throughout, it is an inspirational, energetic and riotously funny read, and a fitting celebration of our greatest ever comedian. Read more

The long-awaited memoir from iconic, beloved actor and living legend Sir Patrick Stewart! From his acclaimed stage triumphs to his legendary onscreen work in the Star Trek and X-Men franchises, Sir Patrick Stewart has captivated audiences around the world and across multiple generations with his indelible command of stage and screen. Now, he presents his long-awaited memoir, MAKING IT SO, a revealing portrait of an artist whose astonishing life—from his humble beginnings in Yorkshire, England to the heights of Hollywood and worldwide acclaim—proves a story as exuberant, definitive, and enduring as the author himself.  Read more

'Mischievous and measured, Joanna Lumley gives us a remarkable portrait of a groovy life' The Times'Captures perfectly the mixture of poshness and larkiness that has captivated Joanna Lumley's audiences... thoughtful and amusing' Daily Mail'An actress with an extraordinarily varied life... [a] gloriously illustrated, entertaining memoir' Woman & Home'Immensely fun'Evening StandardJoanna Lumley is one of Britain's undisputed national treasures, who has lived many lives: a single mum; a voiceover artist; a TV presenter; an author; a former model and Bond girl; a human rights activist for Survival International and the Gurkha Justice Campaign; and as an iconic, award-winning actor, best known for her roles in timeless shows like Absolutely Fabulous and The New Avengers.In Absolutely, Joanna tells her story, from the very beginning up until the present day, in her own glamorous, wickedly funny style.'Lumley has done it all, from sex kitten and TV star to activist for the Gurkhas. Read about it here.' Independent'Joanna Lumley is, for many, something of a national treasure'Daily Express'She writes beautifully' Daily Telegraph'She's the glamorous age-defying star of stage and screen, who is famous as Patsy from Ab Fab yet a passionate human rights campaigner. But as her autobiography reveals, Joana's life has seen her fight through poverty and being a single mum' Best Read more

A deliciously irreverent and humorous insider’s account of 25 years working at the very top of British political television‘What Rob Burley doesn't know about political interviewing isn't worth knowing’ – Andrew Neil‘A delicious read’ – Emily Maitlis 'He writes beautifully' – Jeremy Paxman'Very funny’ – Steve Coogan'An excellent book' – James O'Brien'He writes brilliantly' – Adam BuxtonWhy Is This Lying Bastard Lying to Me? is a deliciously irreverent insider’s account of a career spent trying to get straight answers from politicians, offering a unique insight into the British political class during a time when no one appears to be telling the truth.This book is Rob Burley’s love letter to the political interview and, with the help of exclusive conversations with TV giants from Jeremy Paxman and Andrew Neil to Andrew Marr and Emily Maitlis, it will take you inside the process like never before. Read more

In this game of hearts, the stakes have never been higher…Molly Harris is used to being left. Parents, boyfriends – she’s the queen of rejection. Her latest boyfriend, gym-fanatic Duncan, dumps her to go on reality dating show The One which sets up hot singletons to date for four weeks before meeting at the altar to say, ‘I do’.But Duncan was the one who picked Molly up and put her back together the last time her heart got broken, so, determined not to let ‘The One’ get away, she follows Duncan onto the show. If she can prove that they’re meant to be, she might just get the happily ever after of her dreams…But on the first day of filming, another reminder of her painful history walks into Happily Ever After Towers: Ben Knight, her it’s-not-you-it’s-me heartbreaker. The one she loved before Duncan.In four weeks’ time, who will she meet at the altar? Duncan, the first person who ever made her feel loved, or Ben, the first person who made her feel?Readers LOVE Kathryn Freeman:‘OBSESSED with this book… It was SO heartwarming and adorable, but also spicy – a perfect combination.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘An absolute must-read from me.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘This book got me out of a reading slump, it was a wonderful read.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I loved everything about this fabulous romcom. Fun, heartwarming and sweet.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Simmering tension, fabulous characters who skip off the page, and a romance you will want to happen – this book has it all.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘This story is a true gem for anyone who loves a good dose of romantic tension and a plot that keeps you guessing.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘I'm now desperately waiting for the next Kathryn Freeman book to come out because it's just reminded me how much I love her writing!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read more

Michael Brandon’s Journey from Brooklyn to HollywoodFrom the bustling streets of Brooklyn to the bright lights of Hollywood, Michael Brandon’s life has been anything but ordinary. In this candid and captivating memoir, he shares the untold stories of his rise to fame, the whirlwind romances with Hollywood’s most iconic women and the wild adventures that shaped him.Brandon pulls back the curtain on the golden era of film and television, revealing the highs, the heartaches, and the hard truths behind the glamour. With razor-sharp wit and unflinching honesty, he dives into the reality of working in the industry, the abuse of power behind the scenes, and the moments that defined his extraordinary career.From starring in legendary films to navigating the excesses of fame, from Hollywood sunshine to European escapades and learning to love rainy London, That's All I'm sayin' is a rollercoaster read filled with humour, heart, and the kind of behind-the-scenes stories only an insider can tell.Featuring a foreword by bestselling author Lynda La Plante. Read more

A SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER___________________________The hilarious and heartwarming memoir from one of Britain's best-loved comedians and Women's Prize longlisted author, Dawn French.Dawn French is one of the greatest comedians of our time with a career that has spanned nearly four decades. Loved for her irreverent humour, Dawn has achieved massive mainstream success while continuing to push boundaries and challenge stereotypes. Here, she describes the journey that would eventually establish her as a perhaps unlikely, but nevertheless genuine, national treasure. As part of the much loved duo French and Saunders, Dawn helped create a repertoire of brilliantly observed characters, impersonating everything from Madonna and Harry Potter to The Exorcist. Dawn's iconic role in the Vicar of Dibley showcased not only her talent but also her ability to take a controversial and topical issue and make it mainstream - and very funny.From her early years as an RAF child and her flat-sharing antics with Jennifer Saunders, to her outspoken views on sizism and her marriage to Lenny Henry, Dear Fatty chronicles the extraordinary and hilarious rise of a complex, dynamic and unstoppable woman. Read more

THE NO. 1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER - NOW INCLUDING BRAND NEW MATERIALTHIS IS GOING TO HURT was the bestselling non-fiction book of the century - a frank, funny and furious look at the brutal realities of life in the NHS.But it was only part of Adam Kay's story.With his stethoscope now hung up, Adam shares more suture-splitting anecdotes from both on and off the wards. From the hilarious to the profoundly moving, from the first days of medical school to life after the NHS, UNDOCTORED is an astonishing portrait of an extraordinary life, from one of Britain's finest - and funniest - storytellers. Read more

Dracula is a novel by Bram Stoker, published in 1897. As an epistolary novel, the narrative is related through letters, diary entries, and newspaper articles. It has no single protagonist, but opens with solicitor Jonathan Harker taking a business trip to stay at the castle of a Transylvanian nobleman, Count Dracula. Harker escapes the castle after discovering that Dracula is a vampire, and the Count moves to England and plagues the seaside town of Whitby. A small group, led by Abraham Van Helsing, hunt Dracula and, in the end, kill him.Dracula was mostly written in the 1890s. Stoker produced over a hundred pages of notes for the novel, drawing extensively from Transylvanian folklore and history. Some scholars have suggested that the character of Dracula was inspired by historical figures like the Wallachian prince Vlad the Impaler or the countess Elizabeth Báthory, but there is widespread disagreement. Stoker's notes mention neither figure. He found the name Dracula in Whitby's public library while holidaying there, picking it because he thought it meant devil in Romanian. Read more

In this electrifying autobiography, Rik stands naked in front of his vast legions of fans and disciples and invites them to take communion with the blood he has spilled for them during his thirty year war on show business.He invented alternative comedy with The Young Ones, he brought down the Thatcher administration with The New Statesman and he changed the face of global culture with his masterpiece Bottom. Not only was his number one single Living Doll the saviour of rock 'n' roll but he also rescued the British film industry with the vast revenues created by his legendary movie Drop Dead Fred. In 1998, he survived an assassination attempt and spent five days in a coma before he literally came back from the dead. Having completed countless phenomenal feature films, TV series, live extravaganzas and radio voice-overs since then, Rik Mayall is now poised on the brink of a whole new epoch-shattering revolution.For the first time ever, Rik reveals in print the deep inner truth behind his gargantuan ascent to the pinnacle of international light entertainment – the mental hospitals he has broken out of, the television executives he has assaulted, the drugs he has definitely not taken, the charities he has bankrupted, the countless pregnancies he has engendered, and so much more. Read more

The compelling, witty and remarkably honest autobiography from beloved star of Just a Minute, QI, Have I Got News For You and Celebrity GoggleboxTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'Hilarious, ribald, eye-popping, unforgettable, will make you laugh out loud' DAILY MAIL'Warm, witty, charming. A moving and very affectionate family history. An enthusiast for life' THE TIMES________Enter the world of Gyles Brandreth - broadcaster, actor, writer, former politician - as he takes us on an extraordinary journey into his past.From growing up in an apparently well-to-do but strapped-for-cash middle-class English family to his adventures in swinging London, Gyles encounters princes, presidents, pop stars and prime ministers, gets involved in everything from setting up Scrabble championships to examining Danish sex shops, and thrills us with countless tales of family, friends and acquaintances, both famous and infamous.Filled with incredible and sometimes shocking stories, Odd Boy Out is the story of Gyles Brandreth's fascinating life told with his unique wit and charm.________'Staggeringly brilliant, funny and touching, I loved it' JOANNA LUMLEY 'Light-hearted and dark events alike are described with his customary jaunty style, making them funny, moving an sometimes deeply shocking ' Sheila Hancock Read more

'A lovely story about following your heart and facing difficult decisions. Heart-warming, humorous and highly recommended.' Jessica RedlandEscape to Dorset and the beautiful Chesil Beach with bestselling author Della Galton.Talented, yet relatively unknown actress and celebration cake baker extraordinaire Olivia Lambert is running out of time. Approaching forty, she’s yet to land the role that will launch her television career and she’s desperate to be a mum. Her new man, Phil Grimshaw from the Bluebell Cliff Hotel, seems the perfect match, but seems to be in no rush to settle down.Having ditched her childhood sweetheart and fiancé, Tom Boyd, when he backtracked about being a dad, Olivia dreads making the same mistake again.Rocked by confessions from both her sister Ruby and Tom, Olivia knows it’s time to make some life changing decisions. Then a terrifying incident off Chesil Beach changes the course of her future and brings Olivia to question everything she values and loves.Praise for Della Galton:'Utterly uplifting, pure escapism...' Trisha Ashley'I haven’t read such a sweet book for years. I loved every page' Sue Moorcroft'Feel-good fiction at its best, a real escape!' Samantha Tonge Read more

The instant Sunday Times bestseller From brutal schooldays to 80s anarchy, through The Young Ones, Bottom and beyond, Berserker! is the one-of-a-kind, hilarious memoir from an icon of British comedy, Adrian Edmondson.Ade Edmondson revolutionized the comedy circuit in the 1980s and, alongside Rik Mayall, brought anarchy to stage and screen. How did a child brought up in a strict Methodist household – and who spent his formative years incarcerated in repressive boarding schools – end up joining the revolution?With wisdom, nostalgia and uniquely observed humour, Ade traces his journey through life and comedy: starting out on the alternative scene, getting arrested in Soho, creating outrageously violent characters and learning more about his curious (possibly Scandinavian) heritage. With star-studded anecdotes and set to a soundtrack of pop hits which transport the reader through time, it’s a memoir like no other.Nominated for Radio Times Moment of the Year for sharing his memories of Rik Mayall on Desert Island Discs.'The Berserker from The Young Ones and Bottom tells his story with self-effacing charm and no end of backstage anecdotes' - Ian Rankin'Amazing' - Richard Osman'Gloriously candid and wise all at once' - Sara Pascoe'It is incredibly funny, but it is also a lot, lot more than that' - Miles Jupp‘More fun than reading Hegel, and also more enlightening’ - Louis de Bernières Read more

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER*The long-awaited return of the comedy national treasure*Blockbusters, Baywatch … Mastermind, Moonlighting … Porridge, Parkinson … Peter Kay takes you on a journey into the wonders of TV –back to the days when Dusty Bin was a household name, Robin of Sherwood was a pin-up and the Brookside siege was the event of the year. For a young telly-loving Peter growing up in Bolton, TV meant Sunday bath nights with a black-and-white portable, the unbridled excitement of the new Christmas TV guide and his elderly neighbour’s inconvenient hearing problem.Here, for the first time, he collects his TV memories and adventures together in this brilliant book. Join Peter as he finds success on the small screen, leaving his own unique footprint in the golden age of TV: from making tea at Granada Studios and marching along to ‘(Is This the Way to) Amarillo’ to hanging out in the Rovers Return, having run-ins with Bernard Manning and starring in possibly the worst Doctor Who episode of all time. You’ll go behind the scenes of the legendary Phoenix Nights, take The Road to Nowhere with Max & Paddy and discover how Peter created his BAFTA-winning performance in Car Share.So sit back and enjoy a journey through the wonderful world of television. Endearing, sidesplittingly funny and utterly unforgettable – T.V. sees Peter Kay at his vivid, nostalgic and hilarious best.Peter Kay's book 'T.V.' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2024-05-27. Read more

THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED DEBUT NOVEL BY STAR OF STAGE AND SCREEN, LARRY LAMB"One of the best." James Corden"Speedy, sexy and amusingly truthful. I loved it." Celia Imrie"An irresistible homage to the unsung heroes of filmmaking." Camilla BarnesAmidst political turmoil on a Caribbean Island, the first assistant director is determined to see his film through - if the chaos doesn't consume them first. Between managing an impossible lead actor, navigating power struggles on and off set, and a crew member vanishing under mysterious circumstances, the production is at risk of falling apart.Blending sharp dialogue, rich behind-the-scenes detail, and the grit of a top-notch crew, All Wrapped Up is a compelling portrait of non-blockbuster filmmaking under fire -where the real battle isn't just on screen.Informed by his years of experience in film and television, Larry Lamb gives an inside look at the industry; the trials, tribulations, and hard won successes of producing a piece of cinema.------Larry Lamb is a well-known British actor and presenter with a career spanning several decades, best recognised for his acting roles in the BBC soap opera "EastEnders" and the sitcom "Gavin & Stacey".Larry published his critically acclaimed autobiography, Mummy's Boy in 2011.All Wrapped Up is Larry's debut novel. Read more

'Absolutely wonderful. The book I've been waiting to read since I was ten years old. Full of surprising and piercing insights . . . The first thing I've come across that absolutely nails the extraordinary nature of the cultural phenomenon that is Doctor Who' JEREMY DYSONOn screen, Doctor Who is a story of monsters, imagination and mind-expanding adventure. But the off-screen story is equally extraordinary - a tale of failed monks, war heroes, 1960s polyamory and self-sabotaging broadcasting executives. From the politics of fandom to the inner struggles of the BBC, thousands of people have given part of themselves - and sometimes, too much of themselves - to bring this unlikeliest of folk heroes to life.This is a story of change, mystery and the importance of imaginary characters in our lives. Able to evolve and adapt more radically than any other fiction, Doctor Who has acted as a mirror to more than six decades of social, technological and cultural change while always remaining a central fixture of the British imagination. In Exterminate / Regenerate, John Higgs invites us into his TARDIS on a journey to discover how ideas emerge and survive despite the odds, why we are so addicted to fiction, and why this wonderful wandering time traveller means so much to so many. Read more

The hilarious, heartwarming and joyful memoir from much-loved presenter Alison Hammond, host of ITV's This Morning.'This woman's laugh is like gold dust' Huffington Post '[A] national treasure' Metro 'I always say a day is wasted without laughter . . .' Alison Hammond loves to laugh. And the nation laughs with her. Her sunny personality and zest for life have brought joy to millions and made her one of the UK's best-loved television presenters. Known for her hilarious and unforgettable interviews with Hollywood A-listers, Alison is also responsible for countless classic moments of broadcasting gold - from getting stuck on a caravan door to delivering Christmas cash dressed as an elf. But who is Alison Hammond really, and how did she become the personality we know and love? Shaped by the influence of her incredible mum, Alison went from small roles on television shows as a youngster to that life-changing appearance on Big Brother, before landing her dream job on This Morning. And through it all, she found the joy in every day, the positives in any situation. You've Got to Laugh gives a never-before-seen insight into Alison's life: her loves, her losses - with a side order of gossip. As well as being a hugely entertaining and uplifting read, Alison's story will inspire you to grab life with both hands and make the most of every single moment. 'Interviewer extraordinaire, reigning queen of the huns, and an out-and-out national treasure' Bustle Read more

Fiona Phillips is one of our best-loved television presenters. Well-known for being warm, chatty and down to earth, she attended her local comprehensive in Southampton before studying English in Birmingham. For over twelve years she presented GMTV, during which time she interviewed some of the most famous and influential people on the planet, from film stars to royalty, politicians to local heroes. But in August 2008 Fiona announced that she was to quit the job she loved, revealing that her father, Phil, had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's just a year after her mother had died of the same disease and that she had decided to devote more time to him and to her family. Before I Forget is a wonderfully honest account of growing up in the 1960s and 70s within a complex family. During her childhood her father could sometimes be distant and demanding which both saddened her and drove her to succeed, her mother always the devoted wife and the steady heart of the family. When Fiona lands the job at GMTV she revels in how proud they are of her achievement. When her mother and then her father succumb to Alzheimer's we share in Fiona's sadness as she movingly describes watching them fade away, one moment interviewing George Clooney the next taking a call from Pembrokeshire Social Services to say that her mother had wandered away from her care home.Before I Forget is an extraordinary book which will resonate with Fiona's millions of fans and the millions of people who day-by-day are going through, or have gone through, the same experiences. Read more