BBC Arts has commissioned Cactus TV to make a six-part series for BBC Two celebrating the joy of reading. Between The Covers (6 x 30’), hosted by Sara Cox, will feature some of our best known personalities chatting about their favourite books in a funny and warm-hearted half hour - a book club just for BBC Two.

Each week Sara will be joined by four famous faces, bringing with them some of their favourite books of all time which they’ll discuss with their fellow guests. The programme will feature a review section where the whole panel discusses the book of the week, which is brought to life by a recorded clip of the author explaining their work. Six featured books will be chosen for the series by the editorial team in conjunction with literary consultants not affiliated to any publisher.

Sara Cox, presenter of Between The Covers, says: "I can’t wait to delve between the covers of some fantastic books with some of my most favourite people. This show will be welcoming and warm - we want to celebrate books, recommend some absolute crackers and have a good giggle while we do it."

Emma Cahusac, Commissioner for BBC Arts, says: "Between The Covers will take a humorous look at the books that mean the most to us, engaging book worms and more casual readers alike by bringing a weekly book club into the homes of everyone in the UK.

"Continuing our commitment to books programmes, BBC Arts explores how books unite us, and open up new worlds at the turn of a page.”

Patrick Holland, Controller for BBC Two, says: "Between the Covers promises a fresh, engaging and entertaining perspective on the books we love to read. I’m delighted that Sara Cox and guests will be bringing their passion and excitement for writing - old and new - in this weekly show."

Amanda Ross, CEO of Cactus TV, says: "I couldn’t be more excited that the BBC are championing books in a primetime slot on BBC Two. We will make sure we choose six amazing books as the centrepiece to the campaign to get as many people reading for pleasure as possible. Each week, our stellar panel, led by Sara Cox, will inspire and entertain even reluctant readers to pick up a book."

This commission builds on BBC Arts’ commitment to books programming, launched last year with the three-part series Novels That Shaped Our World. Cactus TV CEO Amanda Ross has been responsible for many book series over the years, including the original Richard and Judy Book Club and four series of The TV Book Club on Channel 4, which led the Observer to name her the most important person in publishing. She also produced the National and British Book Awards for TV for over a decade, The Crime Thriller Book Club for ITV and has successfully incorporated books into many magazine series over the years.

Between The Covers (6 x 30’) was commissioned by Emma Cahusac, Commissioner for BBC Arts. It is Exec Produced by Amanda Ross for Cactus TV, with Series Producer Pollyanne Conway.