Alan Partridge's Mid-Morning Matters is back! Which is fantastic news. For anyone who doesn't know what it is, it's the same Alan Partridge as before, except this time it's done in 10 minute videos rather than 30 minute episodes and it's on the internet rather than TV.

Armando Iannucci, the show's writer, issued this statement earlier:

"I'm delighted to be making another series of Mid Morning Matters with Alan Partridge. It proves that a considerable number of people like Alan and that some of the things said about him in the press have been proven false. 

"He is, actually, a fine local broadcaster, and this series of webisodes, done in conjunction with Foster's, shows us once again that visually as well as aurally, he is not equalled by many - again, locally."

BUT Alan Partridge said:

"I've always been more than comfortable in my association with this warmly regarded mid-range lager. I am quietly flabbergasted that the good people at Foster's think that, by associating themselves with my webcast, people will consume more of their product.

"I don't drink it myself but I'm familiar with it and firmly believe that the 20-30 age demographic should have access to affordable lager. Going forward, I look forward to moving forward with Foster's in an atmosphere of bland co-operation. It's a good fit. It feels right. I like it."

It's a bit strange that since the show's paid for by Fosters, that means they're now in charge of commissioning Alan Partridge. IS THIS THE FUTURE? Maybe. We'll certainly be asking Carte D'Or whether they want to sponsor our new series of late-night semi-erotic celebrity book readings, or maybe we'll just do it as podcast with Ferrero Rocher. Who knows.