..and it's got a nice jacket

Matt Lucas is writing a children’s picture book based on his fundraising song Thank You, Baked Potato.

The sage spud doles out more guidance for families in the 32-page book, aimed at the over-threes.

And like the top-ten single, proceeds from the rush-released title  will go to Feed NHS, the campaign he set up to to get hot meals to NHS  front line workers with actors Damian Lewis, and Helen McCrory and the fast-food chain Leon.

Lucas said: ‘I am chuffed to bits that we are bringing out this book of the song – complete with Scott Coello’s brilliant illustrations – so that children can help remember how to stay safe.’

The comic first performed a version of the daft baked potato song on Shooting Stars with Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer, but a revised version about social distancing has become one of the viral hits of the lockdown.

Several fans have made their own versions,  including Rob Brydon, Rick Astley, Myleene Klass and  Queen’s Brian May, all of whom recorded duets with Lucas.

Illustrator Coello create artwoks and short films under the alias Cribble, but Thank You, Baked Potato is his  first picture book for children. He previously animated Lucas's official music video for the song, too.

The book is published by Egmont – which is also donating its cut to charity – on May 4, priced £4.39 in paperback or £2.39 in ebook. Click here to order.

Published: 21 Apr 2020