Steve Coogan reveals just how similar to Alan Partridge he has become
The actor and comedian wants to avoid "this moment of singularity where the Venn diagram becomes just one circle".
As Steve Coogan continues to appear as Alan Partridge in his own podcast, as well as a brand new series called Alan Partridge: How Are You? later this year, it marks just the next step in his long journey with the character.
Coogan has been playing the iconic TV and radio presenter parody since 1991, and now – speaking to this week's issue of Radio Times magazine – he admitted that he and his alter ego have started to merge somewhat.
When asked whether he accepts that osmosis is inevitable between Alan Partridge and himself, Coogan said: "During the last TV series, I went into the trailer to put Alan’s clothes on and I was wearing a shirt that was identical to the one they had hanging up for Alan.
"I don’t mean similar, I mean same pattern, same label. It was the same shirt. I still had to take my shirt off and put his on, just for my own sanity. Then, at the end of the day, I took it off and put it back on the hanger.
"I needed to do that to reassure myself there hadn’t been this moment of singularity where the Venn diagram becomes just one circle. I like to think it’s still a figure eight, at least."
The new Alan Partridge TV series, which was previously known as And Did Those Feet..., will see Alan returning to his home county of Norfolk after a year working abroad in Saudi Arabia, but struggling to shake a persistent feeling of unease.
The synopsis teases: "It's a show that makes a statement that will create shockwaves: 'I’m Alan Partridge, and I'm not OK'."
Coogan will also be reprising another of his long-running roles soon - a version of himself, in the fifth season of The Trip.
The Trip to the Northern Lights will see Coogan and Rob Brydon exploring northern Europe’s wildest reaches, while reflecting on ageing, ambition, family and fame.
The synopsis says: "Equal parts sitcom, travelogue and midlife reckoning, The Trip to the Northern Lights is Coogan and Brydon at their bickering, brilliant best."
Read the full interview with Steve Coogan in the latest issue of Radio Times – subscribe here.
Steve Coogan is back with series 4 of From the Oasthouse: The Alan Partridge Podcast, available now, exclusively on Audible.
Check out more of our Podcasts and Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
