Headline to publish Mel Giedroyc's 'warm and riotous' new novel

Headline is set to publish Mel Giedroyc’s "warm and riotous" new novel The Comeback. Publisher Sherise Hobbs acquired world rights from Paul Stevens at Independent Talent. Headline will publish The Comeback in hardback in August 2026.

The novel follows Gill Piper as she returns to her home town of Leatherhead after a failed stint as a drama teacher, with the task of reviving the local youth theatre – once a place of bright-eyed dreamers that has fallen into neglect.

The synopsis continues: "Gill sets out to recruit new faces but finds herself up against the theatre’s artistic director, the monstrous Carla Keswick, who has her own plans. A battle between the two women ensues and soon the stage is set for a standoff. Can Gill achieve the impossible by putting on a show which is not a laughing stock – and also discover that it is not too late for her own encore?"

Hobbs said: "Mel Giedroyc writes with huge fun and affection about found family and the power of community. Shy newcomers are coaxed into the spotlight and heroes are made when ordinary people step forward in times of crisis. Warm and riotous, The Comeback will make you laugh and squeeze your heart."

Giedroyc is a comedian, writer, actor and presenter and is also known for her work alongside Sue Perkins, such as The Great British Bake Off (BBC) and Light Lunch (Channel 4).

Giedroyc said: "I am beyond excited to be unleashing The Comeback. Theatre is my first love and I have long nursed the idea of telling a story with two very characterful, clashing, theatrical women at its heart, and the local theatre as their battleground. This book has been so much fun to write; I hope its cast of characters will scoop the reader up and take them on an entertaining and engrossing ride."