Radio and TV presenter Alan Partridge has commented publicly on the news that StudioCanal, the Anglo-French production company, is on board for his upcoming feature debut.

“I’m simultaneously gladdened and pleased to see a British film being co-funded by the French dudes at StudioCanal,” the Norwich all-round entertainer said. “This is without doubt the greatest Anglo-French co-operation since the Normandy landings. This time, the heroes aren’t Allied servicemen – they’re motion picture financiers, who are equally brave.”