David Baddiel, Paul Smith and Konnie Huq to host Penguin Podcast

Comedian David Baddiel, Maxïmo Park frontman Paul Smith and presenter Konnie Huq have signed up to host the Penguin Podcast.

The podcast series, which relaunched in July 2015, feature 30-minute episodes in conversation with authors about five objects that shaped their books.

Forthcoming episodes, to be broadcast once a fortnight, are set to feature guest authors Johnny Marr, Zadie Smith and Tom Fletcher at Penguin Studios.

Guided by the "five objects" format, listeners can expect to hear directly from authors "the stories behind the stories", about the ideas and experiences behind their books, previously untold backstories to their plots and themes, and listen to extracts from their latest audiobook.

Previous Penguin Podcast hosts include Richard E.Grant, who interviewed authors Kate Atkinson, Meera Syal and Elvis Costello over the past year and saw objects from a gammon steak to Bill Bryson’s passport brought to the studio.

The Penguin Podcast has amassed over 500,000 listens in the past year, according to PRH, and was named a 2016 Honoree in the Best Podcast category of The Webby’s Awards.

In the next episode - available on iTunes - Marr will talk about his new memoir, Set The Boy Free, via a £20 note, his Fender Jaguar and T-Rex’s “Jeepster” 7” single.

Baddiel, host of The Penguin Podcast, said: “Listeners, and especially fans of Johnny Marr, are in for a treat in this episode. It was great talking to Johnny about his new book Set The Boy Free for the Penguin Podcast. He also very kindly let me play guitar with him, which was a musical highlight for me. And no doubt a comedy highlight for Johnny.”

Hannah Telfer, Audio m.d., Penguin Random House UK, added: “With more and more people listening to audiobooks and podcasts, The Penguin Podcast is brilliant way to reach diverse audiences and raise awareness of our authors and their books. It’s the perfect podcast for anyone who loves books and the magical experience of being read to and we are delighted to introduce three new hosts who each bring a unique voice and passion for books.”