You'll have to be patient...

The Alan Partridge movie is to be released in August 2013, it has been announced today.

French-based StudioCanal have signed up as distributor of the film, which will start shooting on January 7 and open on August 16.

In a statement, Alan Partridge said: ‘I'm simultaneously gladdened and pleased to see a British film being co-funded by the French dudes at StudioCanal.

‘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.

‘I'd also like to add that ”canal” - or, in English, '”canal” - is a transportation system close to my heart. In the late 18th century, this new method of logistics halved the price of coal in many English cities. If StudioCanal’s investment can achieve even a fraction of that, I will be delighted.’

The film is being made with Coogan’s production company Baby Cow and is backed by BBC Films. It has been written by Peter Baynham, Steve Coogan, Armando Iannucci, Neil and Rob Gibbons and will be directed Declan Lowney, who made many episodes of Little Britain and Father Ted.

Last week, Iannucci revealed some details of the plot, when he told an audience: '‘Alan is in Norwich. It's not “Alan goes to Hollywood”; it's not “Alan invaded by aliens” or anything like that.

‘He's on North Norfolk Digital, which is taken over by a bigger media conglomerate and has it's name changed to Shape. And that kicks everything off.’

Published: 26 Jun 2012