Ahead of the release of Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa next week, everyone's favourite provincial radio DJ has recorded a special greeting for Irish fans.

Resplendent in a beautifully lapelled baby blue safari suit, crisp white shirt and pink tie, Alan confesses his fondness for Ireland in much the same way he once did when he explained his love U2's song Sunday Bloody Sunday.

In his heartfelt greeting, Norwich's most-liked personality passes on his condolences after the shooting dead of the Celtc Tiger and goes on to describe the Irish diaspora as "a postive disease".

Alpha Papa opens in Irish cinemas on August 7th and in the rather excellent comedy/action movie we see Alan becoming the hero (kind of) when his station, North Norwich Digital, is held siege by Pat Farrell, a disgruntled ex-employee played by Colm Meaney.

Watch out for our interview with Steve Coogan next week.