2016 gigs announced

Citizen Khan is going on tour – with three arena dates announced for next year.

They are the first live dates for Adil Ray's self-styled community leader – and he's starting big with performances at the Wembley Arena, Birmingham's Genting Arena in the NEC and the Manchester Arena.

Ray's background is in radio, and he created the alter-ego for BBC Two comedy Bellamy's People after being approached by Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson. Previously, Adil had been performing characters on his radio show at the BBC Asian Network.

It was developed into a BBC One sitcom in 2012, and is currently in its fourth series. It regularly attracts overnight audiences of more than three million, which means it is currently the most watched comedy show on British television.

The series has won four awards from the Royal Television Society, including best performance in a comedy for Ray in both 2013 and 2014.

In character, he said of May's dates: 'I will be informing you all on how to deal with all areas of British life; family, fashion, food, school, and of course being a good Muslim. Oh Twaddi! This is a family show so bring everybodies but please, if you are Indian (or ginger) you must sit at the back and don't drink too much.

'This is a very special moment in the British calendar just like Justin Biebers and One Direction. As a Muslim we love to follow One Direction - towards Mecca. I look forward to answering any questions on the night too and if you're lucky I'll have a photo taken with you unless you're from the tax office or immigration then you can stay at home.'

Tickets for the shows, entitled They All Know Me!, have go on 'pre-sale' through Ticketmaster today ahead of their wider release on Wednesday. Buy here.

Published: 14 Dec 2015