Ulrika's novel debut

TV presenter visits Newbury library to promote The Importance of Being Myrtle

Ulrika Jonsson, who began her career as TV-am's weather girl, and went on to host Gladiators and become team captain on Shooting Stars, will be talking about her novel The Importance of Being Myrtle at Newbury library next Wednesday (7pm).

Her autobiography Honest, written in 2003, became a bestseller. This publication is her first published work of fiction. The television presenter started writing stories when she was 9; her father bought a typewriter home from work one day and her love of writing was born.

Books and writing were her escapism during a difficult childhood and it was when she moved to England at the age of 12 that her passion for English, its language and literature, was ignited.

The Importance of Being Myrtle is a novel about hidden lives and second chances. It is sad, romantic and heart-warming, and should appeal to fans of Joanna Trollope.

After talking about her book, the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions, and get a copy of the book signed.

The evening is a collaborative event between Newbury Library and The Hungerford Bookshop.

Tickets are £3 from the bookshop (01488) 683480 or the library (01635) 519900.

The Importance of Being Myrtle is published by Penguin at £6.99.