Reach for the stars with our pick of the best small-screen spin-offs
A Del Of A Life by David Jason (century, £20)
National treasure Sir David – best known as cheeky chappie Derek Trotter – celebrated his 80th birthday in February, and with it more than 50 years on stage and screen. In this warm and chatty new memoir, he recalls his extraordinary life, sharing the “hard-won lessons” he’s picked up along the way, while entertaining us with his wry and witty stories. Cushty, as Del Boy would say.
Quite by claudia winkleman (HQ, £16.99)
The Strictly host shares an opinionated miscellany of personal wisdom, identifying what is essential in life (fringes, fake tan) and what is merely “sprinkles” (skiing, picnics). She also offers some worldly wise nuggets of advice that have helped her over the years, making for an effervescent and fun read.
Ramble book by Adam buxton (Mudlark, £16.99)
Adam looks back on his formative years, from the boarding school where he formed the partnership with Joe Cornish that would make him famous, to his obsession with David Bowie and his relationship with his increasingly prickly father, Nigel. Amid the gags and tales of youthful misadventure, Ramble Book is a reflective and revealing read.
How Animals Saved My Life: being The Supervet by Noel
Fitzpatrick (Orion, £20) The TV vet has treated thousands of animals in his 30 years of practice, often devising revolutionary techniques and using surgical skills to save creatures believed to be beyond help. Here, Noel shares moving and sometimes comical tales of his work as we meet Peanut, the world’s first moggy with two front bionic limbs, and his own devoted companions, Ricochet the Maine Coon and Keira the Border terrier. Pawsome.
behind The Sequins by Shirley
ballas (BBC Books, £20) The queen of Latin ballroom tells the story of her dramatic life, from the early days on a rough estate on the Wirral and leaving home aged 14, to becoming one of the world’s most acclaimed dancers and landing her coveted role as Strictly Come Dancing’s head judge. Talking us through her troubled teens, betrayal and bullying in the “dog eat dog” world of dance, two broken marriages and a devastating family tragedy, it’s no wonder she was left feeling “fragile and drained” after compiling her candid memoir.
Life’s What You Make It by Phillip Schofield (Michael Joseph, £20)
In this soul-baring autobiography, Phillip looks back on his broadcasting career, taking in his partnership with Gordon the Gopher, Going Live!, Dancing On Ice and This Morning. He also gives a searingly honest account of his decision to come out. A frank and highly readable life story.
Once Upon A Tyne by Ant & Dec (Sphere, £20)
From Byker Grove to I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Ant and Dec celebrate their 30-year career and enduring friendship with this informal, chatty look back at their stellar careers, including plenty of pictures to remind us of the laughs we’ve all had along the way.
A Year Of Living Simply by Kate humble (Octopus, £20)
TV presenter Kate’s book is all about living in the moment and rediscovering what matters to you. With notes on nature and foraging, confessions of gardening fails and recipes to boot, it’s an honest, personal and inspiring read.