Chris Evans signs lucrative book deal

British TV and radio presenter turned media mogul Chris Evans is to tell all in his autobiography after signing a seven-figure deal today.

Evans, who now plans to revamp British TV as a producer and possibly a channel boss, is to give his first “full and frank account” of his life.

Publisher HarperCollins is to publish the book, Little Bigshot, in the autumn of next year and hopes it will be a big hit in the run-up to Christmas.

Evans, 36, has already handed over sections of the book to publishing bosses who have been impressed with his writing style.

He is to return to broadcasting this month for the first time in a year as producer of Channel 5’s new entertainment programme Live With Chris Moyles. Other projects include a show called Girls And Boys for Channel 4 in the new year.

Speaking at a TV festival last month Evans said he had had enough of presenting and wanted to use his creative vision behind the scenes.

HarperCollins said today: “Little Bigshot will be the full and frank account _ in his own words and inimitable style - of Chris Evans’s early life, his first steps in broadcasting and his rise and turbulent times in the media world.”

Evans said today: “I am really enjoying working on the book.

“I have been writing most of my life, but it’s good to have the chance to write at greater length and to make sense of what’s been happening around me.”

He has often been a controversial character and had spectacular fall-outs with bosses which led to him leaving BBC Radio 1 and Virgin Radio, of which he was once the boss.

His relationships have included a reported fling with former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and last year year he married the then teenage singer Billie Piper. His friend James Ward was recently killed in yachting accident when Evans was on board.

Susan Watt, publishing director for HarperCollins, said: “I am thrilled to find on reading the material that Chris Evans’s creative energies encompass writing. His author voice is so strong, lively and original that I know this is going to be a brilliant read.”