The title of the book comes from the famous opening phrase from the quizmaster (in 1985, when the book is set, it is Bamber Gascoigne). However, his love of general knowledge and the television quiz programme University Challenge set in motion events that make his first year at university one that he will never forget, including not just his attempts to get on the iconic quiz, but also his attempts at starting a relationship with a woman who does not seem to reciprocate his feelings. The book features the character of Brian Jackson, who finds himself a bit of a fish out of water in his first year at university, as he comes from a working-class background, and the students are from predominantly middle-class backgrounds. The first book that Nicholls wrote, Starter For Ten, was published in 2003. Upon the cancellation of Rescue Me, Nicholls then decided to pursue his other interest, fiction writing. Nicholls then created to series of his own, I Saw You, and Rescue Me. He attempted to put his acting training to good use, but struggled to make a real success of it, landing mainly small roles on stage.Īfter deciding to move away from acting, Nicholls turned his hand to writing screenplays, where he achieved success, especially for his contributions to the ITV series Cold Feet in 2000. After graduation, Nicholls then headed to New York, where he studied acting at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

As well as studying the sciences at A-Level, Nicholls also opted to take them in Theatre Studies and Drama, and he continued his love for the stage at Bristol University, from where he graduated with a BA in Drama and English. Throughout his time at school and college, Nicholls’ career path was evident.

Born on November 30th, 1966, David Nicholls is the middle child of three siblings.

2009 novel by david nicholls