British writer 'amazed' at Booker prize nomination

British writer David Nicholls admitted he was completely "amazed" to be nominated for the Man Booker prize.

Nicholls, who previously wrote bestseller 'One Day', said he was eating his breakfast in New York when he heard the "unexpected news" that his latest novel 'Us' had gained a nomination.

This year's award is the first to admit novels from across the globe, after a rule change allowed six judges to choose 13 books - four by Americans, six by Britons, two Irish writers and one Australian.

"I've just bounced around today slightly reeling from the whole thing," Nicholls told ITV News.

"I didn't imagine I'd ever find myself on a list in this company, so it means a great deal."

'Us', which is due for release in September, tells the story of the final few weeks of a marriage whilst on a road trip through Europe.

Nicholls' previous novel 'One Day' became an international phenomenon after selling over 5 million copies around the world.

It was also adapted for a Hollywood film with Oscar winner Anne Hathaway.

After the success, Nicholls admits he was "terrified" of disappointing people with his next book.

Nicholls revealed that 'Us' is more "grown-up" and "darker in places" than 'One Day'.

The decision to allow global entrants has proved controversial as the prize was previously only open to authors from the UK, Ireland and the Commonwealth.

But Nicholls said British fiction was in "really good shape" and writers had no need to be "insecure" about the rule change.

The full list of nominations:

  • Joshua Ferris (US) - To Rise Again at a Decent Hour

  • Richard Flanagan (Australia) - The Narrow Road to the Deep North

  • Karen Joy Fowler (US) - We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves

  • Howard Jacobson (Britain) - J

  • Paul Kingsnorth (Britain) - The Wake

  • David Mitchell (Britain) - The Bone Clocks

  • Neel Mukherjee (Britain) - The Lives of Others

  • David Nicholls (Britain) - Us

  • Joseph O'Neill (Ireland) - The Dog

  • Richard Powers (US) - Orfeo

  • Ali Smith (Britain) - How to Be Both

  • Niall Williams (Ireland) - History of the Rain