BBC Two has confirmed the title and tentative broadcast date for a new documentary featuring Her Majesty Queen Camilla. The film, titled The Book That Changed My Life, is expected to air on BBC Two and iPlayer on 14 October, a date subject to final confirmation in the weekly television schedules. The one-hour feature will be broadcast during the National Year of Reading 2026, placing it within a specific cultural timeframe for the network's arts output.
The program, produced by Blink Films, documents the transformative impact of reading on four individuals. It includes a segment featuring Ian Kirby, a resident of Gateshead who joined a local book club during a period of deep depression following a traumatic incident at home. Kirby attributes his recovery to reading the autobiography of local boxer Glenn McCrory. He is now a member of the Reading Ramblers, a group that combines audiobooks with guided walks through Chopwell Wood. The film explores how reading provided community and inspiration for these contributors, including the Queen, who discusses the power of books in moments of personal need.
Commissioning details for the production place Suzy Klein as the commissioner for BBC Arts, with Amanda Goodman serving as the Commissioning Editor. Dan Chambers is the executive producer for Blink Films, while Toby Trackman serves as the director. Trackman previously directed The Last Musician of Auschwitz, a BBC Arts film that received a Royal Television Society award. The production is a partnership between Blink Films, BBC Two, and iPlayer, developed in collaboration with The Open University and The Queen's Reading Room.
Details regarding the full cast and specific broadcast slot will be released closer to the air date. The documentary runs for sixty minutes and is part of the BBC's commitment to arts programming during the National Year of Reading. Ann Cleeves, a novelist and crime writer, led a festival discussion on book clubs where Kirby shared his experience, providing public context for his inclusion in the film. The production company and network have not released further promotional materials beyond this initial announcement.