Ruth Jones and Richard Osman Lead British Book Awards Author of the Year Shortlist
Welsh actress and comedian Ruth Jones, best known for co-creating the beloved BBC sitcom Gavin and Stacey, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Author of the Year award at the 2026 British Book Awards. Jones, 59, is nominated for her memoir When Gavin Met Stacey And Everything In Between: A Story Of Love And Friendship, which details the origins and success of the hit show, including its record-breaking Christmas special. This work has also earned her a nomination in the audiobook non-fiction category, highlighting her multifaceted literary contributions.
Notable Contenders and Literary Heavyweights
Jones faces stiff competition from a roster of acclaimed authors. American writer Freida McFadden, 45, author of the chart-topping novel The Housemaid—set for a 2025 film adaptation starring Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney—is also vying for the top author prize. McFadden received an additional nomination for her psychological thriller The Tenant in the crime and thriller category.
Television presenter Richard Osman is nominated for The Impossible Fortune, part of his popular Thursday Murder Club series, which has become a publishing phenomenon. Other prominent nominees include Mick Herron, celebrated for his Slough House espionage thrillers adapted into the Apple TV series Slow Horses, and illustrator Charlie Mackesy. The shortlist is rounded out by fantasy novelist AF Steadman and The Forty Rules Of Love writer Elif Shafak, making this a highly competitive field.
Expanded Categories and Diverse Nominations
This year's awards introduce new categories for romantic fiction, graphic novels, and science fiction and fantasy, reflecting the evolving literary landscape. Additionally, the inaugural BBC Radio 2's book club award will be presented, with presenter Sara Cox expressing enthusiasm for this new accolade.
In non-fiction narrative, notable shortlisted works include Last Rites, the autobiography of late Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, and Virginia Giuffre's memoir Nobody's Girl: A Memoir Of Surviving Abuse And Fighting For Justice, co-written with Amy Wallace. Giuffre, who died by suicide last year, was a prominent accuser of paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Children's Fiction and Lifestyle Highlights
American author Suzanne Collins is recognised in children's fiction for Sunrise On The Reaping, a prequel to her dystopian Hunger Games series, which is also slated for a film adaptation later this year. The non-fiction, lifestyle and illustrated category features nominations for celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's Eat Yourself Healthy and TV fitness coach Joe Wicks' Protein In 15.
In audiobook fiction, comedian Bob Mortimer's The Long Shoe, narrated by Mortimer, Diane Morgan, and Arabella Weir, has been shortlisted. Meanwhile, Michael Rosen, author of We're Going On A Bear Hunt, is nominated in children's non-fiction illustrated for Oh Dear, Look What I Got!, co-created with Helen Oxenbury.
Judges' Insights and Ceremony Details
Alice O'Keeffe, chairwoman of the Books of the Year, commented on the exceptional quality of submissions. "From fresh new voices to big brand authors, this year's shortlists celebrate the best books published in 2025," she said. "For the very first time, our judges are looking forward to discussing three new categories: romantic fiction, graphic novels and science fiction and fantasy. In an exceptional year for non-fiction narrative submissions, half the shortlist is made up of books that broke out of the books pages to lead the news agenda, a reminder that these books really matter."
The winners will be unveiled at a ceremony at Grosvenor House London on May 11, 2026, bringing together the literary community to honour outstanding achievements in publishing.
