Entertainment Books

The explosive new book from Britain’s leading investigative biographer, Tom Bower As one of the most famous and influential couples in the world, David and Victoria Beckham have attained iconic status. The ultimate power couple have together built a multi-billion-dollar global brand. For decades, adoring fans have been captivated by the glamorous world they have created, while their unrivalled fusion of showbiz, fashion, football and celebrity has been cultivated alongside the image of a strong marriage. When the much-trailed Netflix documentary Beckham aired in 2023, viewers were offered an even more intimate insight into their private lives. Produced by the Beckhams themselves, the series raised many questions, not only about their success and personal relationship, but also about the ruthlessly successful management of their image in the media. Are their lives really as perfect as the Beckhams would like the world to believe? Through extensive research, expert sourcing and interviews with insiders, Britain’s most celebrated investigative biographer, Tom Bower, has unearthed a succession of revelations that give surprising insight into the reality of ‘Brand Beckham’. Exploring the couple’s relationship, and the truth about their football and fashion careers, their finances and their new life in Miami, The House of Beckham unravels the extraordinary reality of the business-savvy cultural icons to tell an engrossing, often astonishing story of money, sex and power. Product Information:  • ISBN: 9780008638870 • Author: Tom Bower • Publisher: HarperCollins • Format:  Hardcover • Pages: 384 • Dimensions: 15.9 x 3.8 x 24 cm

Pull on your wellies, grab your flat cap and join Jeremy Clarkson in this hilarious and fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the farm we're all obsessed with . . . An idyllic spot offering picturesque views across the Cotswolds, bustling hedgerows and natural springs. Until one day, Jeremy decided he would do the farming itself. After all, how hard could it be? . . . Faced with suffocating red tape, biblical weather, local objections, a global pandemic and his own frankly staggering ignorance of how to 'do farming', Jeremy soon realises that turning the farm around is going to take more than splashing out on a massive tractor. Fortunately, there's help at hand from a large and (mostly) willing team, including girlfriend Lisa, Kaleb the Tractor Driver, Cheerful Charlie, Ellen the Shepherd and Gerald, his Head of Security and Dry Stone Waller. And yet while the farm may be called Diddly Squat for good reason, Jeremy soon begins to understand that it's worth a whole lot more to him than pounds, shillings and pence . . . Product Information: • ISBN: 9780241464502 • Author: Jeremy Clarkson • Publisher: Michael Joseph • Format: Hardback • Pages: 224 • Dimensions: 24 x 16.2 x 2.6 cm

After three years, Jeremy Clarkson has discovered the golden rule of farming: whatever you hope will happen, won't. Enthusiastic schemes to diversify face defeat at the hands of the Council Planning department, or derision from Kaleb. Jeremy's plans for a business empire founded on rewilding and nettle soup are doubted by Lisa. And the stifling thickets of red tape keep only one person smiling – Cheerful Charlie, who charges by the hour. But the animals couldn’t be happier. A rented bull called Break-Heart Maestro is delighting the cows. The pigs are bringing home the bacon. And the goats are . . . most probably psychopaths. Yet on the good days it hard not to be optimistic. Where else do you get to harvest blackberries with a vacuum cleaner? Maybe it’s not just Break-heart Maestro who gets a happy ending? Product Information: • ISBN: 9780241786987 • Author: Jeremy Clarkson • Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd • Format: Hardback • Pages: 192 • Dimensions: 23.8 x 16 x 2.8 cm

Travel back in time to the prehistoric world of the dinosaurs, brought to life in spectacular detail. Revisit the spectacle of the incredible new series of BBC One’s Walking With Dinosaurs in this richly detailed look into the distant past. With the latest up-to-date facts, interviews with leading dinosaur hunters and insights from the TV series, this is the ultimate prehistoric book that every dinosaur enthusiast needs to own. Delve deeper into the dramatic stories of dinosaurs whose remains are currently being unearthed on dig sites all over the world. With stunning imagery and the latest scientific discoveries, these primordial giants are waiting to be uncovered by your own hands. Product Information: • ISBN: 9780241761533 • Author: Andrew Cohen & Helen Thomas & Kirsty Wilson • Publisher: Penguin DK (Dorling Kindersley) • Format: Hardback • Pages: 256 • Dimensions: 26.2 x 22 x 2.2 cm

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.  Product Information:  • ISBN:  9780008623319 • Author: Peter Kay • Publisher: HarperCollins • Format:  Paperback • Pages:  320 • Dimensions:  15.9 x 3.6 x 24 cm

An iconic piece of design and style – and a gold standard in motorcycle engineering – the Triumph has roved through the twentieth century, making its mark in hearts and minds. Founded in Coventry in 1885, Triumph Engineering had humble beginnings, importing bicycles and sewing machines. Little did anyone know that in the coming years the company would birth a historic series of motorcycles that have lit up the arenas of racing, popular culture and even warfare for well over a century. To this day, the iconic model names – the Bonneville, the Daytona – evoke excitement and admiration all over the world. But as brilliant as the bikes are, the stories behind them are even better: Triumph have blazed a trail across the silver screen, being ridden by stars like Steve McQueen and Marlon Brando in classic movies. They have sped round the world’s most famous racetracks and scorched to numerous land speed records. And, of course, Triumph motorcycles, including the ‘Trusty Triumph’, were used in both the First and Second World Wars by the Allies – forging their legend forever as the bikes that truly can do it all. In this enthralling book, esteemed motorcycle journalist, editor of Bike magazine and lifelong rider Mike Armitage reveals the story of a true heritage brand, told in all its high-octane glory. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781789297522 • Author: Mike Armitage • Publisher: Michael O'Mara • Format: Hardback • Pages: 288 • Dimensions: 23.4 x 15.3 cm

The first puzzle book based on the BAFTA-award-winning television show The Repair Shop, with a foreword from The Repair Shop clocks expert Steve Fletcher. Think you know about the Repair Shop, its crafts, craftspeople and stories? Looking for fun brainteasers, word games and quizzes to train your brain and hone your problem solving skills? It’s time to put your knowledge to the test with this collection of questions and puzzles designed to challenge and entertain. Blending together basic trivia, complex wordplay and a range of visual teasers, the book calls on the knowledge of Repair Shop fans to provide hours of challenges inspired by the iconic barn and the work that goes on inside. From silversmithing and woodworking, to teddy bears, clocks and paintings, the puzzles draw on the wide range of skills and objects that the Repair Shop team are famed for. With difficulty levels varying from pleasantly tricky to fiendishly hard, The Repair Shop Puzzle Book will delight all fans of the show. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781804192146 • Author: The Repair Shop • Publisher: Octopus Publishing Group Ltd • Format: Paperback • Pages: 192 • Dimensions: 21.59 x 13.72 x 3.05 cm

Introducing our Book of the Week! Each week we personally recommend a trending title that we're super excited about. Want to find a bestselling book worthy of a spot on your bookshelf? Then look no further… An inspirational and hilarious autobiography by music chart-topping, social media sensations LadBaby, AKA Mark and Roxanne Hoyle, telling the unbelievable, drama-filled story of how they became the nation’s favourite family and the rollercoaster highs and lows of their life. LadBaby have millions of fans around the world, but the journey to success has been anything but easy. For the first time ever, LadBaby will pull back the curtain to share the truth about how they came from nothing, raised millions for charities and achieved success – against all odds. A working-class family who started off living on £20 a week and ultimately became record-breaking musicians, household celebrities and bestselling children’s authors, together Mark and Roxanne have overcome dyslexia, music industry rejection, death threats, betrayal and more – and now they’re ready to tell their sausage roll-filled story. From childhood stories, Mark and Rox’s first meeting, their reaction when Mark’s first video went viral, and the moment they learned they had a Christmas no 1 single; to becoming parents and discussing sausage rolls with Ed Sheeran and Elton John – LadBaby share all the major moments in their lives to date, including the crazy highs and tumultuous lows. Now is the perfect time for fans to hear their full story for the first time, in their own words, along with never-before-seen photos. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781408734186 • Author: Mark Hoyle & Roxanne Hoyle • Publisher: Little Brown • Format: Hardback • Pages: 352 • Dimensions: 24.2 x 15.8 x 4.2 cm

How many eggs have been broken in the making of this programme? What is the worst thing Alex has eaten? Are you more likely to win Taskmaster if you wear a hat? Why is the Taskmaster always right? This hilarious compendium celebrates a decade of Taskmaster's inspired chaos. Relive the most outrageous tasks, iconic meltdowns, and ingenious victories from your favourite contestants. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781529441529 • Author: Alex Horne & Jack Bernhardt • Publisher: Quercus Publishing plc • Format: Hardback • Pages: 320 • Dimensions: 21.8 x 15.6 x 2.8 cm

Experience the legendary history of Formula 1 in this definitive illustrated book. Foreword by Ross Brawn. Fully updated for 2024, Formula 1: The Official History is an electrifying account of the F1 phenomenon, telling the complete story of one of the world’s most popular, thrilling, and glamorous sports. Bringing together a superbly written account of the history of the sport and an exceptional selection of stunning images from across seven decades of F1 racing, the book charts the FIA Formula One World Championship, decade by decade, from its first race at Silverstone in May 1950 right through to the present day. Each chapter tells the fascinating stories behind the greatest drivers and teams, important personnel, famous and infamous incidents, as well as key changes to the rules on design, safety and competitiveness. These tales are accompanied by more than 250 exceptional photographs featuring icons past and present, including Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Alain Prost, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen. Accessible and entertaining for any F1 fan, this is the definitive visual history of the sport. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781802797787 • Author: Maurice Hamilton • Publisher: Orion Publishing • Format: Hardback • Pages: 304 • Dimensions: 28.45 x 23.4 x 2.6 cm

This book will score a major-league success with sport obsessives and casual fans alike... Any true fan knows that the porcelain umpire’s chair is an ideal place to put your sporting knowledge to the test. This compendium of fun activities and quiz questions will have you spotting the difference at Wembley, finding a lost helmet at Lord’s, and going for gold in Olympic omniscience. From bestselling author and professional brain-teaser Hugh Jassburn, this illustrated puzzle book includes a range of challenges relating to football, rugby, tennis, cricket, athletics, golf, boxing, basketball, rowing, snooker and more. Pit your wits against such quiz questions as these: What is the lowest darts score you can’t achieve with a single dart? In 1981 Muhammad Ali retired from boxing – what was his career record? What is Tiger Woods’ real first name? Who was the first cricket player to score a century and take ten wickets in a test match? What sport has four letters, is played all around the world, and begins with a “t”? Product Information:  • ISBN:  9781786852687 • Author: Hugh Jassburn • Publisher:  Summersdale • Format:  Hardback • Pages:  112 • Dimensions: 14.8 x 1.7 x 14.6 cm

David Gardner delves into the world of celebrity to investigate legendary stories that continue to fascinate and intrigue to this day.  If people famously remember where they were when JFK was assassinated, many also recall where they were and what they were doing when Elvis, Princess Diana and John Lennon died. As for Marilyn Monroe, the candle flickered out long ago, but only now can the truth be told about how and why she died.  After combing through thousands of recently declassified FBI files, and interviewing key witnesses, crime analysts and forensic experts during years of research, investigative writer David Gardner has unearthed new information that will transform the way we look at these iconic tragedies as well as include new insights on the conspiracy theories that surround the deaths of Bob Marley, Kurt Cobain and even the Queen.  For the first time, Conspiracy: Legends provides many of the answers that have been so elusive for so long while explaining what it was about these enduring legends that made them so memorable.  Product Information:  • ISBN:  9781789467093 • Author: David Gardner • Publisher:  John Blake • Format:  Paperback • Pages:  336 • Dimensions:  12.7 x 19.8 x 2.1 cm

The Guard’s Parcel is a steaming 226-page hardback compilation of the most fragrant cartoons, articles, letters and Top Tips from a whole year of Viz. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781916421950 • Author: Viz Magazine • Publisher: Quarto Publishing UK Account • Format: Hardback • Pages: 226 • Dimensions: 30 x 23cm

Explore the unique stories behind every Formula One World Championship circuit. Written by award-winning journalist Maurice Hamilton and complete with bespoke digital maps of each course, this is the ultimate guide to the circuits of Formula One. Product Information: • ISBN: 9780008700188 • Author: Maurice Hamilton • Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers • Pages: 336

The must-have joke collection from the Instagram sensation @DadSaysJokes Q: How can you tell a pig is hot? A: It''s bacon. The iconic Instagram page @DadSaysJokes returns with a fresh batch of dad jokes to share with your nearest and dearest. Packed with jokes so bad that they''re good, Dad Jokes: The Funniest Yet is the perfect gift for every occasion. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781783255481 • Author: Dad Says Jokes • Publisher: Octopus Publishing Group Ltd • Format: Hardback     • Pages: 272 • Dimensions: 17.78 x 11.43 x 1.91 cm

The world’s bestselling Grand Prix handbook is back for the new season. This is the definitive guide to Formula 1 in 2025. A complete examination of all the teams racing this season, every driver and all the tracks featured in the packed Grand Prix calendar. Also including a full review of the 2024 season and a breakdown of the new rules and regulations for 2025, this indispensable guidebook features a full breakdown of last season’s drivers’ and constructors’ world championship results – as well as a fill-in chart for 2025, so each book becomes your own personalised guide to the year’s action. Written by bestselling F1 author Bruce Jones and containing dozens of breathtaking photographs and detailed circuit illustrations plus a statistics section highlighting the major records in F1 history, this is the only guide you’ll need for the racing action ahead. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781035418756 • Author: Bruce Jones • Publisher: Hodder Headline • Format: Paperback • Pages: 128 • Dimensions: 24.41 x 18.8 x 1.2 cm

Unleash the adrenaline-fueled chaos of Top Gear with Top Gear Nought to Sixty – a collection of the 60 maddest motoring moments from every era of probably the greatest motoring programme of all time. From epic challenges like homemade stretch limos, bungee jumping a Rover 114 and destroying a Toyota Hilux to all of the legendary road trips, from Botswana and Vietnam to Bolivia and Nepal. This is a loving tribute to every era of Top Gear, where speed, power, and sheer audacity collide in a spectacular showcase of motoring madness. Featuring all your favourite presenters, road trips, challenges and choice insults as well as features on everything from racing legends and sleek supercars to space shuttles and old bangers, this epic collection is a must-have for any discerning petrolhead. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781785948039 • Author: Top Gear • Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd • Format: Hardback  • Pages: 192 • Dimensions: 25.2 x 19.6 x 1.8 cm

He's Oor Wullie, your Wullie, abody's Wullie. Generations have enjoyed his mischievous tales as he wages war on boredom or embarks on some get-rich-quick scheme. First published in The Sunday Post in 1936, Oor Wullie truly is Scotland's favourite son. Join him in his most recent comic strip capers in this year's must-have comic book collection. Settle down and enjoy some fun with Wullie and his pals, Primrose Paterson, Bob, Soapy Soutar, Wee Eck, Jeemie the moose, and Harry the faithful wily Westie. And don't forget the much-harangued PC Murdoch, Auchenshoogle's legendary law enforcer! Product Information: • ISBN: 9781845359935 • Author: Oor Wullie & DC Thomson • Publisher: Booksource • Format: Paperback • Pages: 100 • Dimensions: 26.5 x 19 x 1cm

Explore the failures, mistakes and missed opportunities that shaped history in this new entry in the bestselling series. From the botched attempt to create a life-extending elixir that produced gunpowder, to the unsuccessful stint in medical school which led to a career in naturalism for Charles Darwin, to the missile detection system malfunction that almost sparked a nuclear war, the course of human history has so often been shaped by failures of all magnitudes. In fifty bite-sized chapters spanning thousands of years, A Short History of the World in 50 Failures details how the world as we know it has been defined by plans gone awry, opportunities not seized upon and schemes that were always fated to end in catastrophe. Whether it’s the pharaoh Akhenaten’s misplaced attempt to found a new religion or Napoleon’s doomed invasion of Russia, discover a fascinating collection of outsized tales and historical snafus that created the world as we know it today. Product Information: • ISBN: 9781789296938 • Author: Ben Gazur • Publisher: Michael O'Mara • Format: Hardback     • Pages: 288 • Dimensions: 17.8 x 12.9 x 2.5 cm

Global superstar, songwriter, singer and Princess of Pop Britney Spears tells all in her heartfelt and honest memoir that portrays her rise to fame, tumultuous relationship with her father, controversial conservatorship, widely documented mental health struggles and so much more. Battling with a parent to take control of your own life at the age of 39 seems impossible. But this is where superstar Britney Spears found herself, 13 years into a conservatorship constructed by her father. In June 2021, the whole world was listening as she spoke in open court for the first time, delivering a bombshell statement in which she described the complex legal arrangement as abusive and condemned the actions of her own father, Jamie. The impact of voicing her truth was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history. Written with remarkable candour and humour, Spears's ground-breaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last. Product Information:  • ISBN: 9781398522541  • Author: Britney Spears • Publisher: Gallery UK • Format:  Paperback • Pages: 288 • Dimensions:  13 x 1.7 x 19.8cm