It's good to talk about things that are often seen as taboo...

Steve Coogan discusses how Alan Partridge becomes a mental health champion for the middle-aged in his new series. By LYNN RUSK

- LYNN RUSK

Partners in crime: Alan with assistant Lynn, played Felicity Montagu

Steve, 59, says he enjoys reinventing and playing the character, as it offers a way to explore taboo topics.

"I like doing it," says the actor and comedian, who was born in Middleton in Greater Manchester.

"It's quite a good conduit to talk about popular culture and things that are difficult, or to say things that are perhaps taboo or would be difficult to talk about as a private person.

"Through the character, you can say things or explore issues that might otherwise be problematic. There was an appetite for that, and we felt like doing it.

"We tend to return to it when we want to, really. Obviously, we're happy if the BBC or anyone else wants it, but generally, it's on our terms. And this time, we just felt like being funny with Alan again."

The Cheshire-born Gibbons brothers, who also co-directed the series, say they decided to explore the theme of mental health to help Partridge make his comeback in British media.

"I think Alan is, in some ways, an idiot, but as a broadcaster, he actually has pretty good instincts," explains Neil.

"He's had two big chances with the BBC and he's blown both of them. There was the unfortunate incident of him shooting a guy live on TV. Now he's desperate for one more shot.

"I think he and his assistant Lynn probably looked around and asked, 'What's hot at the moment?' And they landed on mental health.