WHSmith has struck a deal with TV personalities Richard Madeley and Judy Finnegan to reprise the pair’s book club.

The retailer will launch The Richard and Judy Book Club in the autumn with the promotion of six titles. More will follow next spring and summer.

The original Richard and Judy book club – which featured on their show - was credited with boosting sales of the books chosen. The new venture will not feature on TV but it is likely there will be TV adverts.

Madeley told The Bookseller magazine: “We’ve taken our time on this – we wanted to get the details exactly right. Our first selection of recommended good reads should be in WHSmith stores in three to four months. They’ll be clearly marked and displayed.”

WHSmith books business unit director Rachel Russell said: “WHSmith customers were some of the biggest supporters of the previous Richard and Judy Book club and they will be delighted to see a new selection of recommended reads this autumn.”