Fern Britton writing TV industry novel

Fern Britton is penning her debut novel about fame and jealousy - based on her experiences in the TV industry.

The story will centre on a woman named Christie Lynch, a journalist and single mother of two, who lands a high profile television job.

But as she climbs the ladder of fame, publishers Harper Collins said, she discovers that "friends can be enemies and jealousies can be deadly".

Britton said farewell to the viewers of ITV's flagship daytime show This Morning in July, after 10 years on its famous sofa.

The 52-year-old left to work on new projects and was replaced by 28-year-old Holly Willoughby.

Britton said: "I am so excited to be working with Harper Collins on my novel. This story comes from my 30 years experience in television.

"Are the characters based on people I have worked with - have any of the storylines actually happened? Or have I made it all up ...? Readers will have to read the novel to decide."

Harper Fiction has bought two novels from Britton, who has also hosted the BBC's Ready Steady Cook, with the first to be published in time for Mother's Day 2011.

Neither novel has a name as yet and the plot of the second is under wraps.

Britton's autobiography, My Story, was published in autumn last year.

Lynne Drew, publishing director for Harper Fiction, said: "This riveting story takes us behind the scenes of daytime television and is full of all Fern's warmth, insight and humour, delivering a really enjoyable novel that will reach out to women everywhere.

"I am hugely excited by Fern's move into fiction, and look forward to a great, a terrific best-seller."