...and taking a year off stand-up to do so

Kevin Bridges is taking a year off from stand-up to write his autobiography.

Although the Glaswegian comic is just 27, his life story has been snapped up by Penguin to be published next autumn.

Bridges said that he was 'delighted to have been asked by the good people at Penguin to write my autobiography', adding that he thought it was 'long overdue.

'I'm taking a year out of stand-up and looking forward to reflecting on my life and career, on the characters, the good guys, the bad guys, the highs and the lows, the bronze swimming certificates. I'll also try and throw in some erotic fan fiction to keep with the current demands of the literary market. Whatever it will be I hope you'll enjoy reading about my short time in this world.'

The deal was negotiated by Bridges' agent Addison Cresswell at Off the Kerb with Penguin imprint Michael Joseph Publishing.

Michael Joseph has previously published the memoirs of Lee Evans, Rob Brydon and David Walliams, as well as Dawn French's novel Oh Dear Silvia and the Mrs Brown's Family Handbook.

Bridges was inspired to get into comedy after reading Frank Skinner's autobiography, making his stand-up debut at 17 at The Stand comedy club in Glasgow shortly after. He reached the final of the So You Think You're Funny competition at the Edinburgh Fringe the following year.

His two DVDs, Kevin Bridges: The Story So Far... Live in Glasgow and Kevin Bridges: The Story Continues, both recorded at the 10,000-seater SECC, have sold 370,000 and 260,000 copies respectively and have been repackaged as a double disc set for this year's Christmas' market.

The BBC One series, Kevin Bridges – What's The Story?, in which the comic revisited the real-life inspiration for his routines around Glasgow was nominated for two Scottish Baftas.

Chortle understands that the BBC wanted to make a second series of the show. But Bridges' break from live performance now makes this seem unlikely in the short term.

Alex Clarke, publishing director at Penguin, said of the deal: 'We absolutely thrilled to be publishing Kevin's book – he's an extraordinary talent in the comedy world, a wise head on young shoulders, with an incredible comic style and delivery. Without doubt Kevin's book will be an absolute tour de force – we can't wait.'

- by Jay Richardson

Published: 16 Dec 2013