Alan Partridge is meant to be a sexist, delusional dinosaur – so why is he still so relevant?

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy No sooner had the leaked footage of Matt Hancock kissing Gina Coladangelo in his office appeared than someone overlaid audio from an old Alan Partridge episode. In the edited video, we hear North Norfolk’s finest DJ say, “Let battle commence” while Matt begins his face lurches and bum paws. “That’s first class,” Alan says, as Matt rubs his hands up and down Gina’s flanks. I have continued to use the Alan “shrug” reaction gif, taken from the episode where he is told he’s not getting a second series, long after it’s become irredeemably basic.