She has many best selling books but now author Julia Donaldson fancies a new challenge for the new year

Children’s author Julia Donaldson says she wants to branch out into West End musicals. Julia, 77, who has delighted kids of all ages with the The ­Gruffalo , Stickman and Room on the Broom, hopes to work with the likes of Lord Lloyd-Webber or Sir Elton John.

She said: “I might approach some terribly well-known West End impresario who’s got the next big hit all ready and I’ll just write the lyrics and I won’t have to do any of the hard work. I do know a few people. I think I might put out a few feelers.” Julia is making a festive appearance in the Christmas edition of The Repair Shop, alongside Dame Helen Mirren and Gavin & Stacey star Rob Brydon.

Rob also crops up on Christmas Day

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