With no former winners on the shortlist, the field is wide open for Achmat Dangor, Sarah Hall, Alan Hollinghurst, David Mitchell, Colm Toibin and Gerard Woodward to claim the £50,000 prize. Kirsty Wark will have the first live interview with the winner following chairman the Rt Hon Chris Smith's announcement, with coverage continuing on BBC4.
Alan Titchmarsh on novel-writing's feelgood factor: page 42