Frances Woodsford
Dear Mr Bigelow

Dear Mr Bigelow is a selection of weekly ‘penpal’ letters written between 1949 and 1961 from an unmarried woman working at the Pier Approach Baths in Bournemouth, to a wealthy American widower, living on Long Island, New York. Frances Woodsford and Commodore Paul Bigelow never met, and there was no romance – she was in her forties when he died aged ninety-seven – yet their epistolary friendship was her lifeline. The letters from post-war England are brilliantly packed missives, sparked with comic genius. They offered Frances the chance to escape a trying job, and to expound with elegance, wit and verve on topical subjects from home and abroad, bringing us a commentary on her life and times.

Charles Collingwood
Brian and Me

Charles Collingwood has kept the nation enthralled with his antics on The Archers. Instantly recognisable by his voice alone – upper-class polish with just a hint of naughty wickedness – meet the man behind Brian Aldridge. Charles has become a favourite of Radio 4 listeners, as a regular guest on such panel shows as Just a Minute and Quote Unquote. Happily married to fellow Archers cast member Judy Bennett, his romantic capers are told with affectionate humour and his family stories are fascinating.

Jeremy Kyle
I’m Only Being Honest

Jeremy Kyle is a presenter famous for his frank, and sometimes confrontational, approach to his guest’s problems. From his upbringing in Reading, to his struggles with OCD and gambling, his knowledge of life’s ups and downs has taught him that honesty can be the key to a life well-lived. Here he takes a look at the social problems blighting modern Britain, and maps out an agenda for change. Recounting his own story, Kyle delves into the neglected corners of our society and surfaces with a spirited call-to-arms.