More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
The nation's favourite fictional broadcaster is back with a new series - and it was almost entirely filmed in Kent.
This Time with Alan Partridge, which first appeared on our screens in 2019, depicts the character co-hosting a prime time magazine show for the BBC - with all the requisite gaffes and shameless self-promotion he is famed for.
A trailer for the new series which begins tomorrow
While the majority of the new series takes place in the BBC studios in London, all the scenes were actually shot at the Maidstone Studios, at Vinters Business Park.
During the new run of episodes Partridge, played by Steve Coogan, is now a fully established co-presenter of the show, alongside Jenny played by Susanna Fielding.
The show will follow Partridge on air and off as he tries to cling on to his position in the face of behind-the-scenes upheaval, and his fears that his relevance is dwindling.
The first series was filmed at the BBC Studios at White City, but the scale of Maidstone Studios meant the production could comfortably be moved to the county.
Josephine Clark, commercial manager at Maidstone Studios, said: "We absolutely loved working with the BabyCow team on this new series of This Time with Alan Partridge.
"We pride ourselves on ensuring Production Companies receive a first-class service and with 2 flagship studios, over 30 dressing rooms and green rooms, multiple production offices, live broadcast links and our mini film sets; American Diner, Cinema/ Bar & Library – productions have the luxury of space.
She added: "We are already filling up the 2022 calendar and we have a few exciting new facilities and announcements to make over the coming months."
But for those who saw the first series will know it's impossible to contain the comedy character to the studio, and each episode he ends up being let loose to record TV packages on various subjects - from the correct method of washing your hands, to working a shift on the checkouts at a Tesco superstore.
For this new series, he visited a handful of well known Kent locations to film them.
In tomorrow's episode, viewers will see the iconic character take a trip to Aylesford Priory, an ancient religious house of the Carmelite Friars.
Dating back to the 13th Century, the location was a pilgrimage site, with thousands of Carmelites travelling all across Europe to visit.
It is not yet clear how exactly Partridge will make an fool of himself at the Priory, but this writer is putting his money on Coogan donning a tunic and attempting to demonstrate religious fervour.
This Time with Alan Partridge is not the first production to film here either.
In 2013, a Hindi-language film Rustom was partly filmed at the Priory as well as being shot all over Kent - from the Chatham Historic Dockyard to the South Foreland Lighthouse.
Will Partridge delve into the unusual Bollywood link, or stick to an awkward explanation of ancient faith practices? Answers on a postcard.
Next on the hapless broadcaster's list is Blue Bell Hill Country Park, a location known for it's stunning views of the Kent countryside.
A nature reserve with possibly the loftiest views in the county, there is also a number of threatened and unusual plant species.
One such plant, called a Squinancywort, has is covered in small white and pink flowers which can make the site look frosted even on the warmest of days.
We can only hope Partridge will get the opportunity to utter the word 'Squinancywort' in his trademark exaggerated accent.
And these were not the only places he visited whilst in Kent.
The production crew also shot scenes at private residences, a nursery and in the town of Maidstone itself.
Alan Partridge has been a comedy character for 30 years, appearing first in 1991 for the BBC Radio comedy programme On the Hour.
Since then he has been the subject of multiple BBC TV shows, a podcast series and spoof-travel show Scissored Isle on Sky.
This Time with Alan Partridge is on BBC1 tomorrow at 9:30pm.
