Coogan visits 'yokels' city

The comedian behind spoof radio DJ Alan Partridge tomorrow visits the British city he has been accused of ridiculing.

Steve Coogan will play three sell-out dates at Norwich’s Theatre Royal as part of his first tour in 10 years.

In 2002, civic leaders in Norfolk accused the character of portraying the county as “a backwater populated by yokels” on his BBC show, 'I’m Alan Partridge'.

Coogan’s comic creation, who held the “third best presenter’s slot” at the fictional Radio Norwich, was also blamed for costing the city a place on the shortlist of British towns vying to become the next European City of Culture.

Coogan is in Norwich tomorrow, Tuesday and Wednesday as part of a 40-date tour entitled 'Steve Coogan is Alan Partridge and Other Less Successful Characters'.

Coogan was heckled during the first night of his stage return, at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

Following the performance, many fans contacted the city’s 'Daily Post' newspaper to complain about the quality of the show.