Literacy news
Follow up show to Richard & Judy Book Club to debut on Sunday
13 Feb 2009
Independent TV producer Amanda Ross, who produced the Richard & Judy Book Club, is launching the long awaited follow up show The TV Book Club this Sunday (17 January).
Five stars, Jo Brand, Dave Spikey, Nathanial Parker, stylist Gok Wan and actress and "Strictly Come Dancing" contestant Laila Rouass, will present the 30 minute episodes on More 4 on Sunday evenings, with a daytime repeat on Channel 4 the following Monday.
On the decision not to bring back Richard Madeley and Judy Finnegan, who were behind the very successful book club, Ross said:
"Everybody felt it was time to move on. They had six successful years. It was time for a change."
The Richard & Judy Book Club was a powerful force, often determining the shape of the nation's bestseller lists.
Ross described the new format as "like a dinner party", with the five hosts chatting to a celebrity author each week. The guest will then stay to discuss the book club book for that week. Each book will be promoted with a film of the author.
Every week the show will also revisit success stories from the Richard & Judy Book Club, with authors such as Victoria Hislop, Audrey Niffenegger and Jodi Picoult discussing how the programme changed their lives, offering a unique glimpse into how it feels to be a chart topping author. New nonfiction releases will also be discussed each week with accompanying videos.
To read more, please visit:
The Guardian: www.guardian.co.uk
The Bookseller: www.thebookseller.com
