SMALL, WELL APPOINTED FUTURE. SEMI DETACHED.

If the end of the world is nigh, then surely it's only sensible to make alternative arrangements. Certainly the Earth has its points, but what most people need is something smaller and more manageable. Of course there are those who say that's planetary treason, but who cares what the weirdos and terrorists think? Not Nathan. All he cares is that his movie gets made and that there's somebody left to see it.

In marketing terms the end of the world will be very big. Anyone trying to save it should remember that.

Ben Elton is one of Britain's most provocative and entertaining writers. From celebrity to climate change, from the First World War to the end of the world, his books give his unique perspective on some of the most controversial topics of our time.

He has written twelve major bestsellers, includingStark,Popcorn,Inconceivable(filmed asMaybeBaby, which he also directed),Dead Famous,High Society(WH Smith People's Choice Award 2003) andThe First Casualty.

He has also written some of television's most popular and incisive comedy, includingThe Young Ones,BlackadderandThe Man From Auntie. His stage work includes three West End plays and the hit musicalsThe Beautiful GameandWe Will Rock You.

He is married with three children.