King of chat Alan Partridge returns to the nation's television screens this autumn with a new girlfriend.

Sonia, a blonde from eastern Europe, will be livening up the life of everyone's favourite Radio Norwich DJ.

Alan, the comedy character played by Brighton comedian Steve Coogan, was last seen five years ago living in the Linton Travel Tavern, exactly midway between Norwich and London.

He has now bought a house but is living in a caravan while his home is decorated.

His ideas for shows such as Youth Hostelling with Hove boxer Chris Eubank never got off the ground.

A BBC insider said: "Sonia is a crazy lady as you would expect any girlfriend of Alan's would be."

Since Partridge last appeared, Coogan has had mixed success with his projects.

He enjoyed a sell-out UK tour with his show The Man Who Thinks He's It but new characters, including Tony Ferrino and Doctor Terrible, were less well received.

However, Coogan's movies The Parole Officer and 24 Hour Party People enjoyed success at the box office.

He has also set up a production company, Babycow Productions, with long-term writing partner Henry Normal.