Ben Elton's book 'Inconceivable' without IVF

Ben Elton, author of five bestselling novels, and his musician wife will become parents in October of twins conceived by in vitro fertilisation (IVF). This is the same month that Elton's new book, Inconceivable, will be published by Bantham Press. In a classic case of life mirroring art - and vice versa - the book tells the story of a successful, professional couple who have trouble having a baby. They turn to IVF and a pregnancy is soon under way - with twins. Eerily enough, news of the real-life twins came just a few days after Elton finished his book. Last week, Elton concluded a deal with the BBC to turn Inconceivable into a film. He plans to direct it himself. Renamed Maybe Baby, the film will have a £4m budget and is due to start filming this summer with the comedian Hugh Laurie cast as the Elton character.