Shirley Ballas 'cannot wait' for Cheltenham Literature Festival

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas will be talking about her new novel at the festival

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas has spoken of her excitement at attending the Cheltenham Literature Festival 2023.

She will be joining world-famous authors, writers, thinkers and performers, festival organisers said.

Ballas said: "I cannot wait to go there".

The festival starts on Friday and runs until 15 October. Other heavyweights attending include the prestigious actor Brian Cox.

Ballas will chat to Fi Glover and Jane Garvey in a live broadcast for their Times Radio show about her new crime novel Murder on the Dance Floor.

Speaking to BBC Radio Gloucestershire, she said it will be one of the first times that she will read a passage out of her new novel, which is published on 12 October.

Mr Cox, who is known for playing Logan Roy in Succession, will be discussing his memoir

The festival involves more than 500 events, spanning classic literature to faith and philosophy.

The comedian David Mitchell and the British astronaut Tim Peake will also be making an appearance, as will prolific screenwriter Richard Curtis, alongside his daughter Scarlett Curtis.

The event also welcomes the wildlife cameraman and TV presenter Hamza Yassin, who won Strictly Come Dancing last year.

He will be talking about his passion for birdwatching.

Comedian, writer and actor Matt Lucas will also be discussing his new book, with David Walliams set to give a performative reading.

There are a number of free and ticketed events for families, including a talk given by Jacqueline Wilson, the author of Tracy Beaker.