Alan Partridge statue appears in Norwich

Kiss my face: The statue of a dashing Alan will be outside The Forum in Norwich until Sunday

Aha! Alan Partridge finally has the recognition he has long craved - a golden statue in the middle of Norwich.

Ardent Partridge fans Nick Dutton and Gavin Fulcher were behind the larger than life "gift to Norwich".

Sculptor Mr Fulcher said: "It was just a bit of fun really. I think during this time we could all do with a bit of light relief."

It has now gained Alan's approval: "I grant my consent and will instruct my legal team to resheathe their daggers."

His statement on Twitter continued: "Although this is completely unauthorised, having taken counsel, I am happy that the statue's attitude and stance are correct."

Mr Fulcher and Mr Dutton denied the 11ft (3.3m) figure was a publicity stunt for Alan's latest podcast produced from his shed.

The duo, who are self-employed sculptors in the film industry, said they designed and created the cold cast brass statue between work commitments over the past three years.

They based the dimensions on a friend who was a "similar size and build" to 5ft 9in (1.75m) actor Steve Coogan.

Sculptors Nick Dutton and Gavin Fulcher installed the statue outside the Forum on Thursday morning

After deciding on the pose, Mr Dutton set to work sculpting a Partridge portrait while Mr Fulcher worked on the body details, including an Argyle sweater, Loafers and Alan's bespoke blazer crest.

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Mr Fulcher said: "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."

Steve Coogan brought his cult character back to the BBC in 2019 for mock TV magazine show This Time with Alan Partridge

Coogan announced earlier this year he would resume the role of the Norwich-based DJ for an 18-part series titled From the Oasthouse: The Alan Partridge Podcast.

"All national treasures have a podcast", Alan Partridge said.

"If David Dimbleby has one, then of course I needed to make one."

The Bafta award-winning character, born in King's Lynn, Norfolk, made his debut appearance in 1991 as a sports presenter on BBC Radio 4's On the Hour.

He moved on to television with programmes including The Day Today, Knowing Me Knowing You and I'm Alan Partridge.

The statue will remain outside The Forum until Sunday.

"He is so synonymous with the city, and the people have taken to him too," the sculptors said