'Autobiographies don't come bigger than this'

John Cleese has signed a deal to write his memoirs.

Random House – which this week also secured the rights to Sir David Jason’s new autobiography – has acquired world rights to his book.

Susan Sandon – managing director of the Cornerstone imprint – said: ‘Comedy legends' autobiographies really don't come much bigger than John Cleese's.

‘Enduringly popular, brilliantly witty and impressively erudite, he is a towering figure in every sense of the word. His memoir will be a major publishing event.’

Cleese has recently been touring with his life story, which he said was to help pay off the £12million his divorce from third wife Alyce Eichelberger will cost him.

Published: 4 Oct 2012