But how will this affect the pedestrianisation of Norwich city centre?
With all due respect to Olivia Colman, Wetherspoons owner Tim Martin and WWE superstar Paige, Alan Partridge is still probably the most important public figure to emerge from the great city of Norwich.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFguSEEDmBK/
So it is only right that a statue of the man has been erected in the middle of the city.
The 11ft statue stands proudly outside The Forum venue, and has the immortal phrase “A-ha!” displayed at the bottom.
Someone has put a gold Alan Partridge outside the headquarters of BBC Radio Norfolk pic.twitter.com/PqZ2KUAPDd
— Callum May (@callummay) September 24, 2020
Alas, it is only temporary, and will only be there until Sunday.
Spotted in Norwich city centre this morning by Andy #partridge #statue #alan #alanpartridge #norwich pic.twitter.com/wvZ1VosTB5
— Alan Partridge Fan Festival (@APFanFestival) September 24, 2020
It was created by film industry sculptors and Alan Partridge superfans Nick Dutton and Gavin Fulcher, who told BBC News it was a “gift to Norwich.”
“It was just a bit of fun really,” explained Fulcher. “I think during this time we could all do with a bit of light relief. When you go to uni and meet new people, you say you’re from Norwich and people instantly mention Alan Partridge. He is so synonymous with the city, and the people have taken to him too.”
Alan Partridge statue outside The Forum in Norwich. Finally. pic.twitter.com/MaZ8no4OQj
— . (@pooroldkelvin67) September 24, 2020
The bronze statue depicts Alan in slacks, blazer, and of course, the signature Partridge blazer crest.
Alan himself has released a statement on the statue:
If the people of Norwich and surrounding areas want to memorialise me in sculpture, then as long as it is rendered in alpha brass with a low zinc content and not, say, a duplex brass, I grant my consent and will instruct my legal team to resheathe their daggers.
— Alan G Partridge (@ThisisPartridge) September 24, 2020
Thank you.
STATEMENT ENDS.
Alan Partridge
DBNR— Alan G Partridge (@ThisisPartridge) September 24, 2020
Steve Coogan recently returned to his best-loved character for a new podcast series.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFglF1yjAH8/
From the Oasthouse: The Alan Partridge Podcast arrived on Audible at the beginning of this month.
“Broadcaster, writer, philanthroper and one of the first public figures to suggest high-visibility clothing for people manning temporary car parks, the public Alan Partridge is a cherished institution,” reads the official description. “But what of the unseen Alan?”
“For the first time, this famously private man welcomes us into his home and audibly deshrouds himself for a fascinating series of podcasts,” “Over the course of 18 generously durated episodes, Partridge grants us full and unfettered access to his off-screen life (within reason).”
