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Beth Alaw WilliamsBBC Wales
Gavin and Stacey star Rob Brydon has begun a new venture as a children’s author, with his debut fiction book set to be published later this year.
The Welsh actor and comedian was inspired by his family pet to write The Cat in The Cupboard – a story told entirely in rhyme, which follows Crumble the cat on his daring garden adventures.
Brydon said he had long made up stories and songs “for my own enjoyment” and was excited to share this with others.
“I’m really hoping [the book] fires the imagination of both young readers and the adults reading to them, creating opportunities for shared moments of reading pleasure,” he said.
Aimed at children aged between five and seven, the tale was inspired by the stories he invented for his children about their own ginger cat.
Brydon said: “I’ve always enjoyed rhythm and rhyme, making up songs in my stage shows and stories for my children and reading [to] them.
“After a while of making up rhymes based around this for my own enjoyment, I wondered if it would make a lovely book for children.”
Ellie SnowdonThe book has been illustrated by Welsh artist Ellie Snowdon, with Brydon adding the drawings “only added to my enjoyment”.
Snowdon is no stranger to bringing animals to life, having worked on the 18-book Jasmine Green Rescues series by Helen Peters.
“Creating the mischievous and lovable character of Crumble has been a delight and I cannot wait to bring the rest of Crumble’s world to life,” Snowdon said.
“I hope children have as much fun reading about his adventures, as I have had illustrating them.”
Getty ImagesBest known as Uncle Bryn to Gavin and Stacey fans, Brydon is currently hosting brand new game show The Floor on ITV.
He is also the host of BBC competition Destination X, as well as the comedy panel show Would I Lie to You? since 2007.
While The Cat in The Cupboard is his first children’s book, Brydon is already a successful author after the release of his 2011 autobiography, Small Man in a Book.
The picture book will be published by Puffin, and is due to be released in September 2026.
Puffin has acquired the rights for two books featuring Crumble, meaning a sequel could follow.
