A star-studded line-up has been announced for The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival this year.

Legendary TV presenter and naturalist Sir David Attenborough, creator of some of the best-loved nature programmes, will be at the festival to discuss his new edition of the landmark documentary Life on Earth.

TV chat show presenter Graham Norton will be attending to discuss his novel The Keeper which journeys into a tale of secrets and ill-fated loves, while the former ballerina and BBC Strictly Come Dancing judge Dame Darcey Bussell will be on hand to talk about her new book Darcey Bussell: Evolved.

The Times writer Ben Macintyre will be discussing his latest book The Spy and The Traitor which explores the life of Oleg Gordievsky, the Russian former colonel of the KGB, whose secret work helped hasten the end of the Cold War.

TLS contributing classics editor Dame Mary Beard is making a return to consider ‘Women and Power’, the cultural underpinnings of misogyny and how this narrative can be challenged.

Other speakers include sporting legends Kevin Keegan and Shane Warne, BBC North America Editor Jon Sopel, the BBC’s chief international correspondent Lyce Doucet, double Oscar-winning actress Sally Field and founding member of Monty Python Eric Idle.

Established in 1949, the festival is the oldest literary event in the UK. The West Country Festival is being held on October 5-14.