Paul to pen his autobiography

Paul Merton has signed a publishing deal to write his autobiography.

The memoirs, due out in September, will cover his working-class upbringing in South London, early jobs such as packing meat, and his eventual break in to comedy.

And Merton promises not to fight shy of more difficult subjects, such as the time he spent at the Maudsley Hospital for mental health patients; his divorce from actress Caroline Quentin; and about caring for his second wife, Sarah Parkinson, when she was terminally ill.

Merton’s agent Mandy Ward signed the deal with Ebury Publishing.

The publisher’s deputy managing director, Jake Lingwood, said: ‘It is no exaggeration to say that I have been talking to Paul about this book for at least a decade. 

‘Paul is something of a national treasure.  People really love him and instinctively know that his story will of course be witty and amusing but will also have real depth. 

‘This is what will make it a great read and I’m sure it will be one of the non-fiction books of the year.’ 

Merton himself added: 'Until I sat down to write my autobiography I had no idea my life story was so fascinating – what with its tremendous ups and downs both in and out of showbusiness.  I can't wait to see what happens next'.

Merton previously wrote spoof memoirs, entitled My Struggle, in 1996. He has also written a book on silent comedy – one of his passions – and the comedy book Paul Merton’s History of the Twentieth Century.

The autobiography – which is not yet titled – will be out in hardback on September 26, priced £20. The launch will be backed with a major advertising campaign.

Merton will also be touring with his Impro Chums around the time of release.

Published: 29 Apr 2013