The astonishing and inspiring autobiography of Ricky Tomlinson, one of Britain's best-loved actors and entertainers.

Famous as the loveable couch potato Jim Royle of The Royle Family, Ricky Tomlinson has entertained millions without ever leaving his armchair. Now, in his long-awaited autobiography, he surprises yet again with a remarkable story of love, hardship, humour, injustice and triumph.

His mother used to tell him that he had lived three lives, but even se miscounted. He has been a plasterer, banjo player, stand-up comic, union agitator, political activist, film extra, award-winning actor and unwilling guest of Her Majesty's prison service.

`I know that I'm going to get stick over this book but there you go - it can't be helped. And some readers might think I'm a terrible liar when they read what follows, but everything in this book is true. Enough lies have been told about me, without me adding to them.'