Alan Partridge is back, and he’s more Alan Partridge than ever judging by the contents of an email he sent to his ‘colleagues’ at the BBC.
In the mail, crafted completely in character, Alan urges them to watch his new series, This Time.
And in true Partridge style, he manages to insult “know-nothing” BBC employees as he takes a swipe at old enemies at the corporation.
It reads: “Back I am, as evidenced by this, my own official BBC email address.
“And with it I reach out to you my colleagues – not to gloat, or settle old scores, or say ‘Hey Karen/Kate/Kath, why don’t you kiss my arse’ – but to be the bigger man and clear the air of any residual stench.”
The email, titled Clearing The Air, continues: “I love the BBC and I always have. While others might say it’s a smug anachronism full of braying, know-nothing chancers doling out fat commissions to their braying, know-nothing Oxbridge mates, I don’t.
“I think the BBC is great, and watch the programmes avidly, regardless of their quality.”
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BBC
The email asks a favour of the vast number of BBC staff, begging them to tune into This Time for the purpose of giving the show’s ratings “the upward trajectory management is bound to want a piece of”.
Of course, Alan Partridge is the comedy creation of Steve Coogan and This Time is the character’s first full BBC series since the second run I’m Alan Partridge in 2002.
The fictional broadcaster was last seen on screen in 2016 for a one-off Sky Atlantic special, entitled Scissored Isle, following the network’s Mid Morning Matters series.
This Time With Alan Partridge begins tonight at 9.30pm on BBC One.
Before They Were Famous: The Sitcom Appearances You Didn't Spot
Idris Elba in 'Ab Fab' (1995)(01 of08)
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Playing male escort Hilton in one episode of 'Ab Fab' was one of Idris's first ever roles. (credit:BBC)
Tom Hollander in 'Absolutely Fabulous' (1996)(02 of08)
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Tom's character nearly became a member of the Monsoon family, but sadly, ditched Saffy to run off with one of her bridesmaids just before their wedding was due to take place. (credit:BBC)
Peter Capaldi in 'The Vicar Of Dibley' (1994)(03 of08)
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Long before calling the Tardis home, Peter made a brief stop-off in Dibley, where vicar Geraldine soon fell in love with him. (credit:BBC)
Jonny Lee Miller in 'Keeping Up Appearances' (1990)(04 of08)
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Now, we know we shouldn't be biased, but this is definitely one of our favourite spots.
Long before taking on the role of Sickboy in 'Trainspotting', the actor made an appearance in the now iconic sitcom. (credit:BBC)
Jake Wood in 'Only Fools And Horses' (1989)(05 of08)
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The 'Jolly Boys' Outing' episode of 'Only Fools...' is an absolute classic, but did you spot Jake Wood (aka EastEnders' Max Branning) starring as Rodney's office trainee? (credit:BBC)
Ashley Jensen in 'The Office' (2003)(06 of08)
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After appearing in 'Extras' alongside Ricky Gervais, Ashley's career took her Stateside for 'Ugly Betty'.
Before that though, she popped up and made an uncredited(!) appearance in The Office's 2003 Christmas special. (credit:BBC/HBO)
Joanna Lumley in 'Are You Being Served?' (1973)(07 of08)
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The 'Ab Fab' star played two different characters, in two separate episodes of the show, which was written by her then husband Jeremy Lloyd. (credit:BBC)
Dominic Brunt in '2point4 Children' (1995)(08 of08)
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Dominic's instantly recognisable to many TV fans nowadays, thanks to the fact he plays Emmerdale's Paddy Kirk.
However, before soapland came knocking, he popped up in one episode of this show, playing an unnamed petrol station assistant. (credit:ITV/REX/Shutterstock)