"Judy and I read the titles ourselves and I can promise you we've got some absolute crackers," Madeley said.

This year's line-up includes The Island, a love story set on a Greek island, by Victoria Hislop, wife of Private Eye editor Ian Hislop.

The Summer Read and Book Club strands have been regular features of the Richard and Judy show since 2004.

According to Channel 4, they have resulted in more than eight million book sales, with some titles experiencing a 3,000% boom.

One previous selected title, Labyrinth by Kate Mosse, became the UK's fastest-selling paperback of all time.

Past reviewers have included actor Richard E Grant, DJ Sara Cox, newsreader Sir Trevor McDonald and former newspaper editor Piers Morgan.

Next week, Richard and Judy will talk to Harry Potter author JK Rowling in what Channel 4 is billing as a world exclusive interview.

BBC NEWS.