Alan Partridge is set to return to BBC Two next year.

Steve Coogan as Alan Partridge

Steve Coogan as Alan Partridge

Steve Coogan thinks the time is right to reprise his most famous comic character and has confirmed he will play the inept radio presenter once more on the channel, which ran the eponymous series from 1997-2002.

Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Steve said: "Alan will be back on the BBC early next year, there will be a lot of Alan on TV next year."

And Alex Moody, commissioning editor of comedy at BBC2, added: "It's an exciting thing. The BBC is in need and who better? With Brexit and political unrest what broadcaster do we need to make sense of it all but Partridge?"

The 51-year-old actor admitted he is inspired by current programmes like 'The One Show' and thinks Alan could have been the perfect host.

He said: "He'll just be back on a show, it might be a bit like this. I'm here to do research.

"Alan feels he could have invented the One Show and been its main anchor over the years. He is in some ways like a real person because when you write him, you feel."

And he also claimed that the Norwich based presenter would be popular now as despite being a failure, the current political climate would see him rise to the top.

He previously told website The European: "In this age of Brexit, they [the BBC] might think they need to get in touch with the 'Little Englanders' they ignore. Alan would have voted Brexit for sure. Hard Brexit, given the choice. He's a Brexiteer because the Daily Mail told him to be."

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