Lynda Bellingham's autobiography is set to top the best-seller list after shifting thousands of copies in the days after her death.

The actress, who died aged 66 on October 19 from cancer, discussed her illness openly in her book which is called There's Something I've Been Dying to Tell You.

Figures from her publisher show the book sold 35,084 copies in the week after her death, more than double the next highest selling non-fiction hardback.

A spokeswoman for Hodder said: "Lynda Bellingham would have been thrilled to see her book at number one. She wrote it to help people, and she wanted it to reach the widest possible audience. She dedicated her final weeks to finishing and promoting the book. Reaching number one is testament to her determination, and to the great affection in which she was held."

The book had sold 23,507 copies in the 10 days before her death.

Lynda died in the arms of her husband, Michael Pattemore, after cancer spread from her colon to other parts of her body.

Her funeral is due to take place next month.

Lynda's acting career included the title role in sitcom Faith In The Future and regular stage roles, as well as many years playing the mother in the Oxo adverts.

She also had a stint as a panellist in Loose Women and more than two million viewers tuned in to the show last week to watch her final interview in a special farewell edition.