TWO more acts have been announced for Bridport Literary Festival – following the disappointing announcement that one of the biggest names set to appear at the event has had to withdraw.

The sold-out event featuring Richard Osman of TV's 'Pointless' fame has been cancelled as he is unable to attend. Those who had purchased tickets for the November 6 event will be entitled to a full refund.

Taking his place will be bestselling author, Jonathan Coe. He will be giving a talk on his new book 'Mr. Wilder and Me', which follows a young Greek woman who finds herself working for famed Hollywood director Billy Wilder. The time she spends in this unfamiliar new life will change her food good.

It is a coming-of-age story and an intimate portrait of one of cinema's most intriguing figures all in one.

Jonathan Coe is the author of 13 novels, including the highly acclaimed bestsellers 'What a Carve Up!', 'The Rotters' Club' and 'Middle England', which won both the Costa Novel of the Year Award and the Prix du Livre Européen.

Tanya Bruce-Lockhart, director of BridLit, said: “We were all very disappointed when Richard Osman had to withdraw from this year’s Bridlit. His 'Thursday Murder Club' is a hilarious read.

“But we are delighted to welcome award-winning novelist Jonathan Coe whose new book, Mr.Wilder and Me, has just been published in time for this year’s festival.

“It is a novel based on the declining years of film director Billy Wilder set in Greece and not without a subtle innuendo towards #MeToo.”

Sir Barney White-Spunner will be kicking off the festival at Electric Palace on Wednesday, November 4.

He will be speaking about his latest book, Berlin. A story of one of the most Europe's most interesting cities, which has given rise to a number of movements that changed Europe, including the Reformation, Marxism and Fascism.

A story of tension and contradiction, Berlin tells the story of the city and its rulers, from its medieval origins up until the present day.

Check out bridlit.com for the full festival line-up and more information. Tickets can also be booked through Bridport Tourist Information Centre on 01308 424901.