Partridge's Norwich: Fact or fiction?

Does Alan Partridge give a false impression of Norwich?

Discuss Norwich with people from outside the area, and they frequently mention two ominous words: Alan Partridge.

Hailed as a comedy classic by many, the programme starring Steve Coogan has also been accused of tarnishing the image of its host city.

So as a new series begins on BBC Two on Monday after a five-year break, what do the people of Norwich really think of the spoof chat show host?

To independent city councillor Andrew Pearmain, the association with the failed TV presenter is a potentially damaging one.

Mr Pearmain was widely reported last week as having blamed the Partridge-effect for Norwich's failure to be shortlisted for the European City of Culture 2008.

He claims the reports were exaggerated, but added: "We do have to think about what kind of image we are projecting, and does it represent the real life in the city that people are actually leading?"

In an interview with BBC Radio Norfolk, he said the Alan Partridge show "doesn't correspond to the Norwich I know and love".

For those who don't know Norwich, it might give them the wrong impression of what it's like now

Norwich resident

"I know it's a fictional programme, but it's not quite fictional - specifically, it's set in the city we live and work in.

"I picked up a guide at the weekend from the Guardian that purports to be all about Norwich, and it's just a little bit wrong."

He admits the East Anglian city may not be one of the world's great metropolises.

"At the back of my mind I'm honest enough to accept that Norwich is a bit of a cultural backwater.

"Perhaps the fact that we are a cultural backwater is part of our charm.

"It's one of the reasons why it's such a nice place to live - because we have avoided so much of the other stuff that happens elsewhere."

Alan Partridge is back on BBC Two

Passersby in the streets of Norwich recognised the Partridge threat - but did not take it too seriously.

"I just think he's very funny, and he probably hasn't done Norwich any harm really because people think about Norwich a bit more," said one.

"Norwich is changing and updating so perhaps they have got a misinformed idea about what Norwich is like in the rest of the country."

Another said: "To the people who live here it's just funny, but for the people who don't know Norwich it might give them the wrong impression of what Norwich is like now."

But one youngster was unequivocal in his praise.

"Alan Partridge is Norwich's best. He's put us on the map."