The first question she gets at every event she does is ‘what’s next for Ellen’ – so I’m sure her fans will be delighted by the return to Mummy’s world. Shipster added: “Gill is the most wonderful author to work with – not just because she writes brilliant books, with her finger right on the cultural pulse, but because she is able to take the ordinary, the unremarkable and universal experiences through the eyes of her much-loved Russell family and turn them into comedy gold. Sims said: “It’s been a fantastic experience exploring some new projects with HarperCollins, but I must confess, it was a wrench parting with Ellen and her world after four books, so it’s absolutely amazing to be bringing Ellen and her family back – and at her very favourite, festive time of year.” She has just finished her second 35-date national live tour, and there is a West End stage play based on all four Why Mummy books currently in development. But I could give you a long list of answers as to why THIS mummy drinks, so I think that probably qualifies me enough to follow and pass comment on the sequel. Since publication of her first book HarperCollins says Sims has sold more than one million books across all formats and in 16 languages so far. She published her first standalone novel The Saturday Night Sauvignon Sisterhood in May this year, which was also a Sunday Times bestseller. Sims’ first book, Why Mummy Drinks, spent more than six months in the Sunday Times bestsellers top 10. The second book will publish in summer 2024 with the title to be confirmed. The first title will be Why Mummy Drinks at Christmas, which will publish in autumn 2023 and will follow Ellen and the Russell family over a series of Christmases past and present.

This two-book deal will see the return of Ellen, Simon, Peter and Jane as the family saga continues.

Katya Shipster, publishing director, acquired world all language rights from Paul Baker at Headway Talent. HarperNonFiction has snared two more in the Why Mummy series of books from Gill Sims.

This is why mummy drinks