Adil Ray has said that a strong community can learn to laugh at itself. He was speaking ahead of The Citizen Khan: They All Know Me tour which commences in the coming weeks.

The hit BBC TV show has had mixed reviews over the past few years but the team behind the venture can look forward to a fifth series soon.

The live version of the show features Adil as the much-loved Mr Khan.

He was aware amongst some elements of the Muslim community he was subject to some criticism.

“I think what people have to realise is that comedy is subjective. Ninety-nine per cent of the people I meet are really positive.

“You can’t expect everyone to like everything. I do believe though that if you can laugh at yourself it makes you a stronger community.

“Also, social media has changed things remarkably and it is a very easy platform to hurl abuse for all sorts of reason.”

Despite any misconceptions and whether viewers and Muslims in particular find it appealing, it is hard not to agree that Citizen Khan has transcended across religions and cultures.

Something that isn't easy and something that does not happen simply by luck.

Having had four series on mainstream British television, including a Christmas special, success did not come overnight.

Adil said, “Above all it is a family sitcom. We all enjoy working on it and work very hard to make it a success.”

The live version of the show sees Mr Khan get himself into a whole host of situations but Adil was not revealing whether or not we would be seeing guests from the show.
He said, “Yes, this is Mr Khan and not the whole family people see on TV.

“But there might be a few surprises but we are keeping them up our sleeves.”

The show will begin in the heartland of British Pakistan – Bradford before moving on to Blackburn and Manchester in the North West.

Surprisingly, the show seems to have induced a big following in the Middle East and South Asia.

“It is on in Pakistan and they seem to enjoy it even more! When I was in Dubai and the Middle East I saw the show was just as popular.”

Tickets for the show at King George's Hall, Blackburn, on Tuesday, April 26 from the box office on 0844 847 1664.

The Citizen Khan: The All Know Me! UK Tour starts on 25th April in Bradford and finishes on 7 May in Manchester. For tickets and more information visit: www.citizenkhan.co.uk