The Comeback: A warm hug in a book from the nation's favourite funny woman

Mel Giedroyc

Aug 2026 · Hachette UK

Ebook

320

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Eligible

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About this ebook

It's Mel! The nation's favourite and best-loved funny woman is back with a heartwarming and uplifting new novel.

'I loved this book!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Such a warm-hearted read about second chances' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I really enjoyed it' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A fab bunch of characters; a complete joy to read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Enjoyed this very much. Nice to read something uplifting and funny and Mel's narration is great' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'With sparkling humour, an uplifting story' Woman & Home
'Warm, funny and filled with heart' Psychologies
'Hugely enjoyable and fun' Platinum
'Glorious, just like Mel. Funny and moving' Miranda Hart
'Brilliant, warm and funny' Graham Norton

Sometimes life surprises you with an encore...

Twenty years ago, aspiring performer Gill Piper boarded a bus out of Leatherhead with a spring in her step and stars in her eyes. Things didn't quite pan out.

Back home again, Gill finds much has changed. Young Lights, the youth theatre group which coaxed her out of her shell, is no more. The theatre itself, once the heartbeat of the community, now feels like a has-been; Gill can relate.

When Gill learns the theatre is approaching its hundredth year, she decides to put on a spectacular anniversary show to give it a comeback and unite the town. She has just eight weeks, but if she can persuade some shy newcomers to step into the spotlight, it might just be possible.

But Gill hasn't counted on self-appointed Artistic Director and diva extraordinaire Carla Keswick, who declares war. Can Gill and her unlikely company of amateurs defy Carla's dirty tricks, and prove it's never too late for a curtain call?

Praise for Mel Giedroyc's Sunday Times bestselling novels:
'If Malfoy Getrich has written a book, I'm reading it' Dawn French
'I enjoyed it HUGELY. A real treat' Marian Keyes
'Funny, clever and loads of heart. I loved it' Dawn O'Porter
'Brilliant characters and hilarious storytelling. A comic masterpiece' Kate Weinberg
'I am in love with every character. One of the funniest books I have ever read' Georgia Pritchett
'Exactly like Mel herself: engaging, uproarious and gleeful. A stonking good read' Jo Brand

It's Mel! The nation's favourite and best-loved funny woman is back with a heartwarming and uplifting new novel. 'I loved this book!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Such a warm-hearted read about second chances' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I really enjoyed it' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A fab bunch of characters; a complete joy to read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Enjoyed this ve...

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About the author

Mel Giedroyc has been entertaining the nation for over thirty years. A comedian, writer, actor and presenter, Mel is also known for her work alongside Sue Perkins, such as multi Bafta-winning Great British Bake Off (BBC) and Light Lunch (Channel 4). Mel has written two non-fiction books and has appeared in sitcoms and panel shows, as well as on radio and on stage, in Stephen Sondheim's Olivier Award-winning Company in the West End and in Starter for Ten at Bristol's Old Vic. Mel lives in London with her husband and two daughters. Her debut novel The Best Things was a Sunday Times hardback bestseller.

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