Playing the PARTRIDGE!

STEVE COOGAN on why it's the perfect time to bring back his revered broadcaster

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Steve Coogan doesn't hesitate when asked why he's stepping back into the shoes of one of Britain's most notable comedy characters, Alan Partridge.

'I suppose the simple answer is: I like doing it,' says the actor and comedian, who's invited TV Times to a swish London cinema for the premiere of his new BBC1 series How Are You? It's Alan (Partridge). 'Alan's a great conduit to talk about popular culture and say things that are maybe a bit taboo or would be difficult for me as a private person to say.'

Having played the hapless TV presenter and radio DJ for over 30 years, Steve is bringing his creation back to our screens to tackle the subject of mental wellbeing. Co-written with Rob and Neil Gibbons, the six-part mockumentary joins Alan as he returns to his beloved Norfolk following a year away working in Saudi Arabia.

Yet, despite being on home soil again, the broadcaster feels a deep sense of unease and so, accompanied by his loyal assistant Lynn (played by Felicity Montagu) and new partner Katrina (Katherine Kelly), sets off on a quest to explore the nation's mental health - in his own, very unique, style.

Here, Steve, 59, tells us what to expect... The last time you played Alan in a TV series was BBC1 sitcom This Time with Alan Partridge, which ran between 2019 and 2021. Why is it the right time for you to reprise the role?