Gorman and Connolly up for book awards

Dave Gorman and Billy Connolly are both in line for literary awards.

Connolly's official biography, written by wife Pamela Stephenson, and Gorman's account of his quest for namesakes have both been nominated in the WH Smith Book Awards.

And the winners will be decided by an on-line poll of book readers.

Billy is nominated in the biography category, whose judges included Richard Branson.

Fellow judge Liz Waide, on the panel to represent the reading public, said: "I wasn't sure how a biography written by his wife would work, but it does, and very well.

Are You Dave Gorman?, co-written with his flatmate, BBC radio producer Danny Wallace, is shortlisted in the travel category. (Click here for Chortle's review)

Judges here included author Lou Wakefield and Heathrow worker turned minor celebrity Jeremy Spake.

Spake said: "You read this and think 'maybe we should all go off and do what they've done'. That's what books about travel are all about."

Wakefield added: "I don't even care if it's all a lie. His friend Danny is the better writer though."

You can vote for your favourite books here, and winners will be announced on Tuesday April 9.

Last year's winners included Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who said: "It's wonderful that everyone takes the time to vote for their favourite books and it is this that makes these such meaningful awards."

Published: 24 Jan 2002