Just like Little Britain co-star David Walliams

Matt Lucas is following his Little Britain co-star David Walliams into the children’s literature market.

Chortle last month reported how the comic was writing his first novel, with plans to turn it into a musical.

Now he has revealed more about the project – a kids’ book called The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas which is described as ‘Home Alone meets A Christmas Carol’.

It will be published on October 12 by Farshore and will feature music that readers can listen to by scanning QR codes.

The action revolves around a Christmas-loving boy called Leo spending his first festive period without is mum. But when thing start to go wrong, he wishes Christmas would just go away. When his wish comes true, and he wakes up on Boxing Day having missed the big day, he sets out on a mission to bring Christmas back.

Aimed at eight- to 12-year-olds, The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas, will be the first of two commissioned by the publisher, with the second due out in 2025.

Lucas told trade website The Bookseller: ‘I've loved working with Farshore on my picture books and non-fiction, and am delighted to be releasing my first novel with them - and it's a musical one, with over 20 songs in it.

‘It's been a joy writing this book and creating original songs to bring the story to life. I hope readers enjoy going on this festive adventure with Leo as much as I have.’

The book even features a cover quote from Walliams, saying: ‘Nearly as good as one of my books.’

Farshore says the book is ‘funny, sensitive and emotional in all the best ways’.

In 2020, Lucas released  a children’s picture book based on his NHS fundraising song, Thank You, Baked Potato, which became a lockdown hit.

Published: 2 Mar 2023