CELEBRITY interviewers are set to put leading authors at this year's Isle of Wight Literary Festival under the spotlight, with a star-studded line-up which includes Cowes-based broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh. 

The four-day event, which will run from October 3-6, promises a roster of big names.

Television gardening expert and Cowes resident, Alan Titchmarsh, a former Isle of Wight High Sheriff, will interview Countdown star Susie Dent about her debut novel, Guilty by Definition, a mystery novel featuring the secret lives of everyday words.

Anneka Rice, who also has Isle of Wight connections, is set to interview Clare Balding about her new book, Isle of Dogs, which explores the British love of our canine companions.

BBC presenter Sophie Raworth will chat with her friend and running partner, Susie Chan, about her new book Trails and Tribulations – The Running Adventure of Susie Chan, on the Saturday.

TV journalist and Seaview resident, Harriet Hadfield, will have a conversation with Louise Minchin about her first thriller, Isolation Island, a novel inspired by reality shows like I’m A Celebrity.

Harriet will also speak to Kerry Daynes about What Lies Buried, a book offering an insight into the life of a forensic psychologist.

The festival is set to take place at Northwood House, Cowes, with a programme that offers a wide range of events for book lovers.

For more information, visit isleofwightliteraryfestival.com