Steve Coogan rose to fame as the comedian behind the popular character ‘Alan Partridge’, numerous films and for co-starring alongside Rob Brydon in ‘The Trip’. He started his career as a voice actor and would imitate Ronnie Corbett among other celebrities for adverts before his TV breakthrough. He hit the headlines this week after reportedly furloughing staff from his £4million estate in the South of England, during the coronavirus lockdown. He was criticised after putting his gardener and housekeeper on the Government scheme that covers 80 percent of salaries – which will ultimately be paid for by the public. This is not the first time the celebrity has been at the centre of controversy. During an interview in 1997, he spoke candidly about the implications of his fame and the effect it has on those nearest to him. Citing an affair he had while his girlfriend of the time Anna Cole was pregnant, he feared that his past behaviours may taint his future relationship with his daughter Clare Coogan. In the candid confessions he claimed to have learned from those mistakes and hoped that she would learn to love him.
Steve Coogan expressed remorse during an interview with the Telegraph in 1997, where he addressed the difficulties of being a celebrity and constantly in the public eye.
He claimed to be a “more shrewd judge of character” as a result of the fame and stated that it had affected his relationships with others.
The comedian revealed that he had seen a psychotherapist in 1993 after he struggled with “terrifying” panic attacks and later admitted to being treated as a “sex addict” too, which he claimed had helped to change him.
He said: “If I meet a girl – sorry, woman – and something might happen between us, that’s sadly something I have to think about. It’s weird.
“If a woman will sleep with me I can’t just think, ‘Right, I’ll just do it’, and I don’t.”
Steve attributed his caution to “genuinely” believing it could be a “bad idea” and the fear of her sharing details with friends or the press served as a “healthy disincentive”.
He claimed to have evolved since the difficulties he faced and stated that he felt “more secure” – acknowledging that this would help to build a better relationship with his daughter.
The star added: “I’ve got my identity and the rest of it. I’m still insecure, but I’m not as insecure as I was last week.”
Steve explained how watching daughter Clare being born changed him and made him think about “very profound things”.
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He said: “I think people who have children are, by and large, better people than before they had them.
“I’ve a nice jacket that I spent a lot of money on and if I’m holding Clare she’ll wipe her face on it. I’m very glad that I’ve got that in my life.”
In a candid moment, he expressed his hopes that she would respect him and the legacy he has carved despite his problems in the past.
Steve added: “When Clare’s older, I’d like her to love me, of course. I’d be quite happy, though, if she thought I was a bit of a prat.”
