BBC Arts has announced that Between The Covers is returning to BBC Two for a fifth series in November 2022 with Sara Cox hosting.

This six-part series is designed to bring the nation together by sharing the enjoyment of reading. In each programme, a different book group of four famous guests brings along a book they are passionate to share and discuss a specially selected newly published book. Hot on the heels of the Booker Prize, each show will also feature a title from the Booker backlists for the nation to enjoy.

The guests for this series of Between the Covers are (in broadcast order):

Episode one: Graham Norton, Alex Jones, Amanda Abbington and JJ Chalmers

Episode two: Ruth Jones, Jessie Cave, Samuel West and Kae Kurd

Episode three: Paterson Joseph, Al Murray, Sophie Raworth and Jenny Eclair

Episode four: Tom Allen, Stephen Mangan, Pam Ferris and Rakhee Thakrar

Episode five: Gabby Logan, Ade Adepitan, Kerry Godliman and Tom Read Wilson

Episode six: Ugo Monye, Clara Amfo, Sarah Keyworth and Rick Edwards

The selected newly published books, in broadcast order are:

The Perfect Golden Circle by Benjamin Myers
The Second Sight Of Zachary Cloudesley, by Sean Lusk
Sometimes People Die, by Simon Stephenson
The Night Ship, by Jess Kidd
Take My Hand, by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
The Dance Tree, b Kiran Millwood Hargrave
The Booker Backlist novels chosen are (broadcast order):

Cloud Atlas, by David Mitchell
Snap, by Belinda Bauer
The Long Song, by Andrea Levy
The Remains Of The Day, by Kazuo Ishiguro
Moon Tiger, by Penelope Lively
Us, by David Nicholls

Sara Cox says: “Absolutely over the moon that we’re back showcasing some excellent new books, celebrating forgotten gems and shining a spotlight on some mind-blowing debut authors with a brilliant bunch of guests! I suggest you find a quiet comfy spot, grab a brew and brace for your ‘to be read’ pile to get even taller and more teetering as we return with a fifth series of the world’s most welcoming book club.”

Amanda Ross, CEO of Cactus TV, who heads the book selection panel says: “We are especially excited about this series’ new book selections because we are able to shine a light on a truly diverse mix of talented writers, including debut novelists. Our selections from the Booker backlist will encourage audiences to try some truly great books they may have missed out on.”

Between The Covers gives BBC audiences across the UK the opportunity to take part in an inclusive book club inspiring new readers as well as avid bookaholics. The 12 selected books featured in the series will be labelled with Between The Covers stickers in shops, libraries and online so that audiences can read and join the conversation on social media using #BetweenTheCovers.

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