A new comedy club and special show are on the horizon for actor and comedian Omid Djalili who has spoken of his pride to call Suffolk his home.
Ahead of his upcoming show at the Ipswich Regent in aid of Turkey and Syria, he praised the "good" and "very real" people of the county that make him enjoy living here.
The show was born after Mr Djalili was very affected by the moving images from the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
He said: "I was in Spain filming at the time, and the only English-speaking channel in my hotel room was all about the earthquake, and it was shocking.
"It's always poor people who get hurt by those things. These are the ones who bear the brunt of these natural disasters. But it’s not God, it’s us, human beings, making cheap buildings and poor people die.
"The least we can do in the West is fundraise, especially in Ipswich, where we have a lot of Turkish and Syrian refugees.
"We are not only holding a special night for them with some top acts and top talents coming to sing, perform, and do comedy, but we also want to encourage the refugee communities to join us.
"It's very special for Suffolk to do this, which is why we've called it ‘Suffolk stands with Turkey and Syria’.
"Suffolk is a good area where people do have a bit of money, so we can send a good chunk as our contribution to those affected by the earthquake.
"We're good people here in Suffolk, and that's why I love this area.
"There are some people with money, but they're all people with hearts."
The comedian also shared that he will be launching a monthly comedy club in Ipswich, called ‘Tractor & Kebab'.
The special show at the Ipswich Regent in aid of Turkey and Syria is supported by All About Ipswich, Ipswich Borough Council, and Friel.
Omid Djalili with Clare and Nia Friel getting ready for his new comedy club, Friel (Image: Friel)
READ MORE: Omid Djalili to host show at Ipswich Regent in support of Turkey and Syria
Omid Djalili will host a special event at Ipswich Regent Theatre in honour of Turkey and Syria, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)
Mr Djalili said he is very happy that he settled down in Suffolk and admitted that his favourite thing about the area is that "people here are very real".
He added: "Their language is very fruity and straight away they laugh and joke with you.
"People in Suffolk don't try to be artificially polite. If they like you, they just speak to you like you're an old friend.
"People are much warmer here than in other parts of the country.
"As I get older, I realise that a vibrant community is what makes people happy. Everybody wants to be a part of something, we want to laugh together, work together, and drive forward for the betterment."
Omid Djalili will soon launch an Ipswich comedy club, Nia Friel (Image: Nia Friel)
Mr Djalili said that he also appreciates Suffolk for its beautiful views, culture and “atmosphere which you just don't get anywhere else”.
The comedian moved to Suffolk during lockdown and said he is not planning to move away.
"My brother and sister came to visit me, as well as my friends, and they all said that Suffolk is great.
"I was quite alarmed because everybody wants to move here now, and I said – no, I've spent all this time and money to run away from you. I don't need you to move into my area," Mr Djalili jokes.
The actor, who lives in the Christchurch Park area, added: "Suffolk is definitely my home. If I was to die here, I'd be happy."
Mr Djalili is a Chelsea fan because of the place he was raised, but he admitted that Ipswich Town easily became his second favourite football team.
Actor and comedian, Omid Djalili, talks about his love for Suffolk and latest initiatives, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)
He said: "Nothing helps a town more than a successful football team, and I think Ipswich Town FC is playing a brand of football.
"It’s new manager, Kieran McKenna, got them playing the way Ipswich Town traditionally has played football.
"They always played good football, they're football purists here."
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