What Have I Done?

Author: Ben Elton

United Kingdom, Great Britain | c 1945 to c 2000 (Post-war period) | Individual actors & performers | Television | Performing arts: comedy | Autobiography: arts & entertainment | Memoirs | Humour

Published on 21^st May 2026 by Pan Macmillan (Pan Books) in the United Kingdom.

Paperback / softback | 480 pages
129mm x 198mm x 32mm | 350g

The instant Sunday Times bestseller and critics' pick of the best biographies and memoirs of the year.

‘What Have I Done? snaps, crackles and pops with wit, bravado and glorious Ben-ness. A triumph’ – Stephen Fry‘A big life chronicled by truly the Upstart Crow of our generation’ – Dawn FrenchBen Elton has done everything and worked with everybody. Now, in this frank, forthright, and hugely entertaining book, he tells the whole story.

Discover the truth behind iconic hits like The Young Ones, Blackadder, and We Will Rock You. Relive the pioneering stand-up of Saturday Live that birthed a comedy revolution. From being the BBC’s youngest-ever sitcom writer to his most recent, critically acclaimed stand-up tour, Ben reveals unique insights into his groundbreaking work.

He talks honestly about his relationships with brilliant friends, inspiring contemporaries, and occasional foes. His life off-screen has been just as challenging and funny as it has been on, and he unpacks it all with wit, insight, and of course, a ‘little bit of politics’.

For decades, Ben’s been making people laugh, think, and getting on plenty of wicks – these are the uncensored stories.

‘Funny and fascinating, it’s a story of triumph and disaster and is the closest you’ll get to understanding where great comedy comes from’ – David Mitchell'Bloody marvellous' – Jo BrandWhat Have I Done? was a Sunday Times top ten bestseller w/e 11/10/2025.