Literary Luncheon: Adopted actress reflects on her life and loves

The "Oxo mum", who has also appeared in Strictly Come Dancing, Calendar Girls and numerous other film and TV productions, said becoming a mother herself first prompted her to ask how anyone could give up their child.

"I looked into my son's eyes and was overwhelmed by the love I felt for him," she recalled.

Ms Bellingham was speaking at the Yorkshire Post Literary Luncheon about her autobiography, Lost and Found. It chronicles some tumultuous times in her life, including an abusive marriage to her second husband.

The lunch was originally due to be held at Harrogate's Majestic Hotel but was moved to Pavilions, on the Great Yorkshire Showground, following last week's fire.

It was the final event of the season and the last under the stewardship of chairman Bernard Dineen, who announced he was stepping down to much disappointment from the audience.

Also appearing was David Nobbs, most famous for creating the character of Reginald Perrin. His latest book, Obstacles to Young Love, is a moving tale of love won and lost.

Historical novelist Anne O'Brien told the audience how she initially failed to be drawn to Anne Neville, the heroine of Virgin Widow who was trapped in an unhappy marriage to Prince Edward of Lancaster.

The final speaker was Mike Pannett, whose tales of life as a Yorkshire policeman in You're Coming with Me, Lad blend gentle humour with real-life action.