A 500-STRONG crowd packed out an event suite near Oswestry to attend a book launch for one of Britain’s most-loved television names.

Self-proclaimed “socially awkward, unconventionally attractive, eager to please and slightly desperate” documentary-maker, Louis Theroux, was welcomed to the Lion Quays for ‘An Evening With…’ event, organised by Booka Bookshop, where he introduced his new aptly-named book Gotta get Theroux this.

It was a sell-out event as the people of Oswestry and beyond flocked to listen to the popular television star shared tales about the weird and wonderful encounters he has experienced throughout his illustrious career so far.

Superfans sporting Theroux-branded T-shirts and other merchandise were not left disappointed as the BAFTA-winning star delved into his personal life – something the 49-year-old has kept very close to his chest in the past.

Some 25 years after his first on-screen appearance in 1994 on Michael Moore’s TV Nation, Theroux revealed all about his career from humble beginnings to becoming a familiar face. He has produced several successful documentaries and films covering everything from life in the porn industry, to the life of extreme religious factions.

When asked why he has decided to publish a book now, he said: “The short answer is I was offered a book contract.

“Anyone who has a career on TV will know people are constantly thrusting book contracts in your hand and it’s almost as though they don’t really care what book you write, it’s just the idea of getting you to sign then you figure out what to write later.

“I thought at the age of 48, maybe I’m old enough to take a look back at my life. I think I thought I had been doing it long enough, I’d arrived at a stage of my life when my knees were starting to hurt – I don’t want this to turn into something sad or about my physical frailties,” he said humorously.

From Nazis and Scientology, to parenting and tips for anyone who may find themselves being taken hostage, Louis shared a vast array of life and career stories through the evening, before taking time to answer questions from a handful of audience members.

“What is the best piece of advice you could give me to carry through the rest of my life?”, “when did you lose your religion?” and “what is your favourite book?” were among the questions put forward to Louis by the audience.

“I think it’s to assume people are coming from a place of good faith; give people the benefit of the doubt; don’t feel as though the world owes you a living and think the best of people,” said Louis as he gave his advice.

He went on to explain how he lives by these words himself when carrying out his documentary work, with author Adam Hamdy, who shared the stage with Louis, asking how he has the ability to remain calm in such extraordinary situations.

“I rarely get an urge to react. I’m unusually disengaged,” Louis added.

“I see it as part of my job and part of my emotional make up.

“You just listen to them seriously and assume good faith. Don’t rush to judge.”

Louis' new book is available to buy from Booka Bookshop in Oswestry.

Signed copies available to pre-order online at www.bookabookshop.co.uk/shop at a price of £20.