The new Alan Partridge film – Alpha Papa – is to be granted its premiere in Norwich – the hometown of the film’s protagonist – after a successful online campaign. The film was supposed to premiere in London, but, much to the dismay of 80% of the U.K’s film press, it’s been pushed up to first class cinemas of Norfolk.

In a statement, Partridge, played by Steve Coogan, said: "You can imagine how hurt and litigious I felt when people said I was planning to debut my movie in London instead of Norwich, or that I'd allowed my head to be turned by the prospect of big city fame. Any suggestions I've hastily cobbled together the lunchtime Norwich screening in response to a local Twitter campaign will be met with the full force of the law."

Steve Coogan The Look of LoveSteve Coogan messing around after The Look of Love premiere

Many of the scenes from Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa were shot in and around Norwich, and the film is due to go on general release in the UK on 7 August. What started as a joke, based on the serious affection placed on Norwich by Mr. Partridge in his various books and TV shows, came to fruition.

Campaign organiser Rafiq Turnbull said two days ago: “What started as a dream is one step closer to reality. I think they’re starting to listen and deciding they should do something about the campaign.” Mr Iannuci, writer and producer of the film, also asked through his Twitter: “People of Norwich: why do you cry such bitter tears of yearning?”

Alan PartridgeAlan Partridge in Norwich filming