Steve Coogan admits Alan Partridge is a mix of Piers Morgan and Richard MadeleyCydney Yeates

Alan Partridge is a combination of Piers Morgan and Richard Madeley (Picture: Getty/TalkTV)

Steve Coogan has revealed that the hilarious Alan Partridge is a mixture of Piers Morgan and Richard Madeley and, honestly, are we surprised?

The Jimmy Savile actor coined his infamous inept TV presenter character in 1991 and catapulted him to worldwide fame, appearing in a number of appearances across radio, television, and film.

Of course, many years have passed since Partridge first arrived on-screen, but when asked by BBC Breakfast’s Naga Munchetty who the character resembles nowadays, Coogan didn’t disappoint.

‘I suppose if you infuse Richard Madeley with Piers Morgan, you might get close to who Partridge is at the moment,’ he said.

We’re sure Piers will have something to say about this…

‘I think Alan likes to think of himself as cutting edge and edgy and relevant.’

Coogan said Partridge thinks of himself as ‘cutting edge’ and ‘edgy’ (Picture: Rex)

Presenter Charlie Stayt chimed in: ‘The odd thing is, as someone who works in this industry, I think it’s almost become a badge of honour to think that you are the inspiration for Partridge. I think it’s gone full circle.’

Coogan agreed, saying that there’s now more of a soft spot for Partridge. ‘He started out as a buffoon and there’s a bit of affection for him now,’ he said.

‘So, it’s like although he’s misguided and ill-informed, he’s not nasty, he’s not wicked, he tries to do the right thing.

‘I think people see a slightly inept uncle or their parent’s generation getting things slightly wrong.’

Last year, Richard addressed the comparisons made about him and Partridge, saying they were ‘a bit unfair’.

Richard Madeley has previously said he doesn’t mind about the comparisons (Picture: Rex)

 ‘I honestly don’t care at all,’ he told Metro.co.uk. ‘I think it’s quite funny. It’s part and parcel of doing the job that I do.

‘It’s so important in this business, and particularly the arena that I operate in, that you don’t take yourself seriously. Because if you do, you’re going to have a very unhappy time.

‘So, if people want to take sentences that I say or little ponderings, [and think], “Oh, that’s so Alan Partridge,” good luck to them.

‘I don’t mind at all, because I genuinely don’t care. I don’t take myself seriously.’

He added: ‘I think some of the quotes are often made up to be honest with you, or they’re taken so ludicrously out of context, but I look at it sometimes and I think, “Oh that’s a bit unfair”.

‘But I don’t mind, it’s all part and parcel of what I do. It’s fine.’

Coogan played his most famous comic creation in I’m Alan Partridge, which ended in 2002.

More: Piers Morgan

Since then, he’s starred in a number of spin-offs, including Alan Partridge: Welcome to the Places Of My Life and Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa.

More recently, Coogan reprised the character for This Time With Alan Partridge, which aired in 2019 and 2021.

BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Entertainment – Metro