Comedian Reeves publishing book of short stories

Vic Reeves is hoping to become a literary heavyweight with a new collection of short stories.

The comedian’s debut collection is being published in time for Christmas.

His stories have been snapped up by Virgin Books.

The Shooting Stars comic, 48, who was born Jim Moir, is also publishing a memoir Me: Moir.

Reeves, best known for his TV comedy partnership with Bob Mortimer on shows Vic Reeves’ Big Night Out and Shooting Stars, does not yet have a title for his collection.

Virgin Books spokesman Ed Faulkner said: “Vic Reeves has a unique brand of comedy – witty, inventive and surreal.

“Reminiscent of Spike Milligan, his short stories are darkly funny and will be a fantastic Christmas stocking filler.

“We look forward to building his profile as one of the funniest writers at work in Britain today.”

Reeves, who appeared on I’m a Celebrity...Get Me out of Here! with wife Nancy Sorrell, is the new host of Sky One show Brainiac.

The funnyman became a father again when underwear model Sorrell gave birth to twin girls last year.

He lost his voice-over contract for Churchill Insurance adverts after ploughing his vintage Jaguar into a parked car while drunk.

Reeves grew up in Darlington, County Durham, and tried his hand as a pig farmer and factory inspector.

But his love of Monty Python was so overwhelming that he decided to try stand-up and moved to London.