Steve Coogan: “The only threat to Alan Partridge is reality”

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It’s unlikely anyone predicted Alan Partridge, renowned gardener, as a 2025 phenomenon. Yet here we are, celebrating his unexpected victory at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. His unique sound bath garden, awarded a gold medal, attracted massive crowds, an accomplishment that seems to have left Steve Coogan, his on-screen counterpart, somewhat bewildered.

For the past 34 years, Partridge, who initially emerged fully formed as a Pringle-wearing sports reporter on Radio 4’s On the Hour, has navigated the changing tides of media landscapes: transitioning from a primetime talk show host (who inadvertently shot a guest), moving from Radio Norwich to North Norfolk Digital radio, starring in films like Alpha Papa, and venturing into YouTube with Mid Morning Matters. Since 2020, he’s been broadcasting his escapades from his Kent oasthouse via podcast, a format that aligns seamlessly with both Partridge and Coogan’s styles.

Coogan explains that the podcast is all about things they enjoy, find amusing, and believe are pertinent, adding that it’s created by him and his long-time partners, the Gibbons brothers. When they’re unsure of what to do next, they simply ask themselves, ‘What would Alan do?’ Even if an idea seems a bit questionable or outdated, it might still fit Alan’s thrifty, jacket-wearing persona. Coogan concludes by saying, “It’s like all roads lead to Rome!”, meaning that every marketing idea they encounter, they have Alan react in a way that mirrors their own response.

Around fifteen years back, Coogan shared with me an instance on Channel 4’s archaeology series Time Team that he found hilariously perfect due to its awkwardness – “the awkwardness was the essence of humor”. I ponder if he has discovered a similar comedic pattern in the influx of podcasts, especially those led by celebrities?

In response, Coogan said, “Alan mentioned something that had me chuckling. He shared, ‘Instead of merely interviewing self-assured individuals for my podcasts, I’ve chosen to consult experts.’ To be honest, there’s a veritable wave of podcasts out there, and anyone with confidence or strong opinions seems to have one. Their listeners tend to follow them.

Instead of me doing your podcast, how about we both travel across Britain searching for someone well-known who isn’t already hosting a podcast? This could potentially make for an interesting series.” Pausing, Partridge also expressed his belief that the popularity of podcasts might be reaching its peak and could soon decline.

In contrast to these celebrity chat podcasts, the dialogues in Partridge’s show are carefully scripted and practiced beforehand. Many people fail to realize that even Alan’s seemingly spontaneous thoughts have been written and crafted for humor.

Occasionally, Coogan tunes into the podcast “The Rest Is Politics,” featuring Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell. It’s both informative and frustrating for him. He becomes annoyed when listeners pose overly sycophantic, flattering, jovial questions to them. In his mind, he thinks, ‘They need to find something better to do.’

In a broader perspective, he muses: “What I’ve noticed about political podcasts is they lack practical solutions. Previously, there was thoughtful analysis backed by evidence and research. Now, it seems like everyone’s opinions are thrown around without much substance. It feels more like discussing the game of politics rather than delving into its solutions.

Previously, before the Gibbons brothers breathed life back into my character in 2010, I had a sit-down with Steve Coogan to discuss various projects he was working on. At that time, he voiced his discontent over the success of his creation, feeling that Partridge had turned into an unwelcome burden, overshadowing his other innovative ideas. Now, with acting roles in movies like Stan and Ollie and Philomena, which earned an Oscar nomination, as well as my Bafta-nominated portrayal of Jimmy Savile in The Reckoning TV series, Steve seems to have found a new tranquility regarding the position of my character amongst the stars.

He admits he enjoys engaging in Alan’s activities because of other aspects associated with it. Alan’s actions are comparable to slipping into a pair of comfortable slippers and pyjamas. It provides an opportunity for him to express his raw, unrefined, minor biases that as adults, we typically suppress due to maturity concerns. However, since Alan lacks certain mental filters, these biases tend to surface more readily.

I consider myself lucky to pursue activities that amuse a sufficient audience to sustain them. I never forget this privilege. My goal is to find a balance between creating meaningful work without becoming too self-absorbed, and making things entertaining. For me, veering too far in either direction equals failure. I strive for my work to carry significance, but at the same time, I don’t want it to be dull.

Over the course of 34 years, Partridge has transformed from a specific amusement into something carrying much greater cultural weight. He’s become a singular touchstone for numerous media representations, a fact not lost on his creator who notes, “The only danger to Partridge is authenticity.” As for Richard Madeley, Coogan chuckles, “And several others. I don’t wish to implicate them unjustly. There are a few individuals, not all whom I dislike. I don’t hold Alan in contempt either; he’s merely misinformed, overtly ambitious, and attempting to gauge which way the wind of his career relevance is blowing.

Coogan mentions that he and his team tend to disregard accounts like Accidental Partridge on social media: “If we don’t, it can create a vicious cycle where people imitate the media portrayals of themselves. Many seem to observe their representation in the media and think, ‘They want this, so I’ll be that too. Just tell me what you want me to be and I’ll become that.’

As a movie reviewer, I find myself constantly pondering: “What can I say that will appeal to the most people, yet cause the least amount of controversy?” The answer is always evolving, depending on current trends and popular sentiment. If you’re feeling generous, you might describe this approach as being adaptable, but if not, there are countless other terms that could be used instead.

Here’s my take: “I find that quite detrimental. At some point, they relied on something, but it’s a futile endeavor in the long run. We choose to disregard the distractions and pursue what we believe is beneficial, even though it’s not infallible, it’s still the wiser choice.

In the television series, Coogan opted to make it more physically engaging while still catering to the intellectually curious yet maintaining accessibility. As for the podcast, it leans towards a purer form, allowing us to explore our creative impulses, hoping that others can follow along.

According to a family member’s recent disclosure, there’s been quite a bit of criticism about me on social media platforms. This was news to me as I was out walking my dog at the time. Frankly, I don’t pay attention and see no reason to do so. Whatever issues I have, I release them and share them in some form, whether it’s Partridge or drama projects. I believe this approach is much more effective.

Working with the Gibbons duo is both productive and imaginative. He expressed, “When I share ideas with them, they jot down exactly what I say without any filter, which leaves me shocked.” However, if it doesn’t reveal too much about myself, I can accept this approach.

Without a doubt, has it become clear now that there is bound to be an overlap between Steve Coogan and Alan Partridge? In the recent TV series, when I went into his trailer to change him into his clothes, I found a shirt identical to one intended for Alan. I’m not just referring to similarities here; I mean the exact same pattern, label – it was the very same shirt that he had.

Even though I needed to swap our shirts for my peace of mind, I did so. Later in the day, after everything was done, I hung his shirt back up.

To make sure there wasn’t a unique instance where the intersecting areas of two concepts merged into one, I felt compelled to take action. It gives me comfort to believe that things remain distinct, like the continuous shape of an infinity symbol (or figure eight).

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2025-07-22 03:06