Victoria Wood's brother has defended his decision to publish a revealing biography of the late star. Chris Foote Wood said that his book, Wood Comedy Genius – Her Life and Work, would provide fans with a "unique insight into how an overweight, lonely and unhappy girl overcame early difficulties to build her hugely successful career".
It includes extracts from a journal written by Victoria and Chris' late father Stanley Wood in which he criticises his daughter for being overweight, describing her as "fatter than ever and has more spots". He also comments that Victoria is "very glum and morose" in another entry.
Chris Foote Wood has defended his decision to publish a tell-all biography about his sister
"I have only written the truth," Chris told the Press Association. "Victoria was fat and unhappy as a girl – she said so herself in press interviews and on BBC radio's Desert Island Discs.
"It cannot be a betrayal to tell the truth. It would be nonsense to leave out Vic's unhappy childhood. On the contrary, it is all the more to her credit that she overcame these early difficulties to forge her hugely successful career. I am a huge fan of Victoria," he concluded. "But I cannot hide the facts."
The book is set to be released later this month, and Chris has confirmed that all royalties will be donated to charities his sister supported.
Victoria Wood pictured in 2008 with her two children, Grace and Henry
Victoria's two children, meanwhile, have said they were unaware that Chris was even writing a biography, with a spokesperson stating: "This is the first Grace and Henry have heard about Mr Foote Wood's book, based on Victoria’s father's diaries. Mr Foote Wood has not contacted them to discuss it or make them aware of his plans.
"There will be an official Victoria Wood biography, which has Grace and Henry's blessing, published next year."
Victoria, who was fiercely private when it came to her personal life, sadly passed away at the age of 62 on 20 April 2016 at her home in Highgate, London after a secret battle with cancer.
