Sir David Jason to pen autobiography

Sir David Jason has signed a deal to publish his memoir after almost half a century in the entertainment world.

Publisher Random House has high hopes the 72-year-old's autobiography will be a huge seller when it hits bookshelves in the run-up to the lucrative Christmas period in two years time.

The firm has acquired the world rights for his book, which Sir David said would allow him to "share the journey" of his life with fans.

Sir David - knighted in 2005 - has become one of the best-loved figures on TV for his high profile roles in series such as Only Fools And Horses and A Touch Of Frost, as well as his role as Pop Larkin in the TV adaptation of The Darling Buds Of May.

He began his TV career in 1964 with a role as Bert Bradshaw in the soap Crossroads. Three years later he was starring alongside future members of the Monty Python team Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin in Do Not Adjust Your Set.

But he began to achieve major stardom after appearing as Granville, opposite Ronnie Barker, in BBC sitcom Open All Hours.

Sir David said: "I'm delighted to have found a publisher who shares my ambition for my autobiography. Random House have shown true enthusiasm for this project from day one and I can't wait to work with Ben (Dunn, of Random House) and his team.

"Over the past 50 years I have had the fortunate experience of working with some of the finest actors and writers in the world.

"This book will be an opportunity for me to share the journey through my life and career with the people who have been most generous with their support and kindness - the great British public."

Ben Dunn, the publishing director of Random imprint Century, said: "Like so many millions of Brits, I grew up watching and listening, laughing and crying to David's on-screen genius - from Del Boy to Dangermouse to Detective Inspector Jack Frost, his canon of work is unsurpassed and I am truly honoured to be publishing a memoir that I have no doubt will be as golden as everything else he's touched."

The hardback version will come out in the autumn of 2014, with a paperback the following year.

PA