Dawn French has signed a deal to write her first new novel in five years.

Because of You is about two very different women who give birth in the same hospital ward on New Year’s Eve.

French said: “This novel dared me to write it, so I did. I have left parts of my heart in these pages. (Not my actual heart. That would be messy…)”

The book is described as “a triumphant novel about mothers and daughters, modern families and unconditional love.”

Because of You will be released on 15th October.