Smith's partner to write memoirs

Linda Smith’s long-term partner Warren Lakin is to write a moving memoir of her life.

The book will chart their relationship from when they met as part of a touring company in Sheffield in 1983 to her death from cancer in February, aged 48

It is due out in September next year, the second of two volumes about the Radio 4 comedian to be published following her early death.

The first is an anthology of Linda’s comedy, from the picket lines of the miners’ strike, through her nationwide stand-up tours and on to her mainstream success on BBC radio and television.

The book will also include contributions from Linda’s colleagues and friends, including Jo Brand, Stephen Fry, Jeremy Hardy, Paul Merton, Mark Steel, and Sandi Toksvig, amongst others.

I Think the Nurses Are Stealing My Clothes<: The Very Best of Linda Smith will be published on 2nd November, compiled and edited by Warren Lakin and Ian Parsons.

Both books will be published by Hodder & Stoughton.

Publisher Nick Davies says: ‘I am very proud to be publishing these books. I adored Linda’s work and, like millions of others up and down the country, was shocked and saddened by the news of her death.

‘ I am working very closely with Warren to ensure that both books will be a fitting celebration of Linda’s unique talent.’

Published: 8 Jun 2006