S&S UK snaps up Eccleston's memoir

Simon & Schuster UK is to publish actor Christopher Eccleston’s memoir charting his own acting career plus the impact on him and his family of his late father’s struggle with dementia.

Iain MacGregor, publishing director of non-fiction at S&S UK, acquired world rights, including audio, for I Love the Bones of You from Paul Stevens at Independent Talent, to be published in September 2019.

Drawing on his memories, the former “Doctor Who” actor will describe a vivid life growing up in a Salford, working-class household in the 1970s with his siblings and mother as well as "the totemic figure of his hardworking, serious-minded and socialist father" Ronnie.

It will explore how his life changed from a potential future as "factory fodder" in his native Northwest, to a deep-rooted desire to perform on stage, and what developed into an acting career that has included his film debut “Let Him Have It” to the BBC’s landmark drama mini-series "Our Friends in the North" and his relaunch of the “Doctor Who” series.

A S&S UK spokesperson said Eccleston will also discuss the loss of his father and his family’s struggle to cope with his condition over the past decade of his life as they watched his health deteriorate.

Eccleston said: “My father was an 'ordinary man', which of course means he was extraordinary. I aim to capture him and his impact on my life and career.”

MacGregor said: “Like many, many people across Britain today, Chris bears the pain and loss of a dear parent who was taken by this incredibly vile condition. He wanted to not only record his father’s journey, but to celebrate his life, and that of his family also. We are privileged he has decided to take this journey with Simon & Schuster UK.”