SMASH-hit TV thriller Broadchurch, which made a global star of West Bay, is set to become an equally irresistible read.

“Broadies” have had a first glimpse of the cover of the novel based on the ITV drama which was written by Bridport’s Chris Chibnall.

The publisher’s website The Crime Vault has revealed the cover for the official novel of the series, which starred David Tennant and Olivia Colman as the two police detectives investigating the shocking murder of a young boy in a sleepy coastal town, which aired a year ago.

The mystery of who killed Danny Latimer gripped the nation, hooking nine million viewers.

The novelisation by author Erin Kelly which will be published by Sphere in August, is based on the original story, but promises fans material that did not appear on screen.

A spokesman for the The Crime Vault said: “Inspired by the first series, Erin Kelly’s novel contains never-before-seen material, adding great depth and insights to the unforgettable cast of characters.

“This is a must-read not only for everyone who loved the TV programme ahead of the second series but for all fans of evocative, atmospheric crime drama.”

Chris Chibnall said: “Erin’s writing is beautiful and suffused with tension; from the moment I first read her gorgeous insights into a world and characters I thought I knew well, I was hooked and desperate to read more.”

Erin Kelly is the author of three psychological thrillers, The Poison Tree, The Sick Rose and The Burning Air. She also works as a freelance journalist.

Meanwhile Broadchurch is leading the field in the Royal Television Society Programme Awards nominations.

Broadchurch star Olivia Colman was nominated for best actress, alongside her fellow Broadchurch star Jodie Whittaker, and Sharon Rooney, for E4's My Mad Fat Teenage Diary.

Chris Chibnall is nominated for best drama writer, against Dennis Kelly for Utopia and Marlon Smith and Daniel Fajemisin-Duncan for Run, both on Channel 4, with the ITV show also in the running for best drama serial, against BBC2's Top of the Lake and BBC3's In The Flesh.

The RTS Programme Awards, hosted by comedian Tim Vine, take place next Tuesday, March 18, in London.