Steve Coogan uses The Trip as excuse to avoid lengthier driving ban
Steve Coogan has been banned for driving for two months instead of six, after telling the judge that a lengthier ban would impact the filming of his popular TV comedy series The Trip.The actor and comedian was caught going at 97mph, well over the 70mph speed limit, while travelling in a Range Rover on the M6 in Staffordshire in July last year.In a letter to Birmingham Magistrates' Court, the 59-year-old urged the court not to disqualify him as he already had six points on his licence and was required to drive while filming a forthcoming series of the The Trip alongside co-star Rob Brydon.His request for five penalty points to be imposed instead of six - which would have led to a six-month ban meaning "the production would likely be unable to proceed", he argued - was granted after he pleaded guilty to the offence on 30 January.
Coogan noted that the past penalty points on his licence would be due to expire in August 2025 and that he had stuck to speed limits since the incident.He also reportedly expressed frustration it had taken almost six months for the prosecution to be brought.The court ultimately decided to ban him from driving for two months instead of six, meaning the TV show can be made as planned.He was also ordered to pay a £2,500 fine, plus £90 costs and a £1,000 victim surcharge.
'Requires me to drive'
Coogan's letter to the court read: "I have a series of important film commitments scheduled for 2025, many of which involve driving as a central component of the work."I am due to appear in a well-established TV series called The Trip which as the title suggests requires me to drive."This starts filming towards the end of June 2025 and if I were unable to drive, the production would likely be unable to proceed."The Trip is a largely improvised comedy show directed by Michael Winterbottom, which stars Coogan and Brydon as fictionalised versions of themselves, dealing with life while taking foodie trips and around the UK, Italy, Spain and Greece.Coogan won the Bafta TV Award for best male performance in a comedy role in 2011 for his part in The Trip, which bagged best sitcom the same year.Bafta-winner Coogan previously argued for a shorter driving ban in 2019, noting how an an extended disqualification would mean he could not film the new series of Alan Partridge.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
21 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Toxic feud destroying BBC Breakfast EXPOSED with bullying probe ‘tip of the iceberg' & Naga Munchetty at ‘her wits end'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE toxic feud ripping apart BBC Breakfast can today be exposed in full – after The Sun revealed the show was facing a bullying probe. Tension between presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt are threatening to combust over opposing views behind the scenes. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Tension between BBC Breakfast presenters Charlie Stayt, above, and Naga Munchetty are threatening to combust over opposing views behind the scenes Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 5 Presenter Naga is 'at her wits' end' over allegations of toxicity Credit: Getty And workers feel uneasy around the programme's 'draconian' boss Richard Frediani if they are not in his clique — with Naga 'at her wits' end' over allegations of toxicity. Many fear that Frediani, known as Fredi, feels he is 'untouchable' after helping the show win a Bafta TV Award last month. And it was claimed some staff now avoid being left alone with him following an allegation last year that he physically shook a lower-ranking female editor. The complaint was upheld after a BBC investigation. READ MORE ON BBC SHOW CRISIS BBC Breakfast hit by BULLYING probe as tensions between Naga & Charlie spiral The fresh claims emerged as Beeb bosses urged any member of staff with concerns to raise them. A source said: 'The probe into Fredi's bullying is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to BBC Breakfast. 'In reality, the smiles on the red sofa mask growing tension and an increasingly toxic culture, driven from the top down, with its unwitting presenters at the heart. 'Naga is incredibly approachable and friendly to everyone on set. 'Charlie is very professional and tries to disengage from any politics. 'But some stars, like Sally Nugent, are loved by Fredi, whereas others, like Naga and Charlie, are not. Watch awkward moment BBC Breakfast's Naga Munchetty shoots 'unimpressed' stare at Charlie Stayt on live TV 'Frankly, he can be mildly terrifying if you're on the wrong side of him.' A BBC spokesperson said of the claims: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values. 'We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.' But the source said: 'With advertising revenues plummeting across commercial terrestrial telly, some younger members of staff feel like they have no alternative but to keep their heads down and try to weather the storm.' Naga, 50, is said to be at the 'end of her tether' with Frediani and the fractious working environment. Naga finds the whole situation frustrating and is at the end of her tether, particularly with Fredi and his draconian ways A source She is known for working backstage to support younger journalists, especially women, and is believed to be frustrated that others accept the 'toxicity as the status quo'. Meanwhile, it is claimed Charlie, 62, takes a more laidback approach and 'films his scenes then leaves'. The duo present the daytime show together from Thursday to Saturday, whilst Jon Kay and Sally Nugent cover the rest of the week. A source added: 'Naga finds the whole situation frustrating and is at the end of her tether, particularly with Fredi and his draconian ways. 'She is passionate about speaking up if she believes something is wrong and has spoken to people who are unhappy — and is always trying to help others behind the scenes. 'Everyone feels like unless you're in Fredi's circle of favourites, you're likely to get a rough ride.' In a recent interview, Naga insisted she and Charlie were 'good friends' amid reports they had fallen out. The Sun yesterday told how the BBC had launched an investigation into their flagship programme following claims of bullying. 5 The duo present the daytime show together from Thursday to Saturday Credit: BBC It is understood the probe will take in historical allegations against Frediani, and complaints dating back to 2019. A source added: 'The BBC are keen to stress this is more of an informal probe than a formal investigation involving external lawyers. In which case, when it is widely known how unhappy staff have been, past and present, why are the Corporation relying solely on HR execs to come to a resolution? 'Given everything that has happened these past 18 months, it seems a strange move.' Within hours of our story breaking, viewers were taking to X to question why the reported fallout had not featured in the show's newspaper review. And there were calls for Frediani to be axed. A whistleblower who previously worked with Frediani at both ITV and the Beeb also messaged to describe him as a 'bullying menace'. BBC Breakfast deputy editor Liam Blyth has been holding sessions with staff to explain the previously published Culture Review. The meetings are taking place across BBC News — independent of any HR complaints about Breakfast. It comes three months after industry site Deadline alleged Frediani — regarded as the most powerful BBC exec outside London — faced at least two misconduct complaints. One led to a formal grievance last year. It's got so bad that people don't really like to be left alone with Fredi because of the feeling of threat. It's an obvious reaction, really, when there are complaints A source Accusers claimed they were shouted at when mistakes were made on-air, while one person is said to have witnessed Frediani walking out of the production gallery and kicking a bin. In another incident last year, Frediani allegedly physically shook the lower-ranking female editor, with the complaint upheld. The Sun has learned that the events have allegedly left staff 'living in fear' of Fredi. One source said: 'It's got so bad that people don't really like to be left alone with Fredi because of the feeling of threat. 'It's an obvious reaction, really, when there are complaints. 'Bit of a perfectionist' 'People want to feel like there are witnesses present and there is safety in numbers. 'With the whole production up in Manchester, too, there's a disconnect from HQ.' Another insider added: 'Fredi is very old-school and has some slightly tyrannical tendencies. 'He is very cerebral, but also quite aggressive in his methods. 'Some think a recent promotion has gone to his head. 'Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. 'The probe has really divided the newsroom. 'There are people who think Fredi is just doing his job, trying to get the most out of people and with excellent results. 'Others think his methods are too tough, especially in 2025.' It is the latest crisis to hit the BBC following a torrid 12 months which saw shamed newsreader Huw Edwards arrested, Strictly Come Dancing pros under investigation and Match Of The Day star Jermaine Jenas axed for 'inappropriate' behaviour. Just a month ago, Frediani was pictured proudly clutching the programme's Bafta award for its coverage of the Post Office scandal. Crew feel the win has only heightened his behaviour as he is considered to be 'untouchable'. 5 Show workers feel uneasy around the programme's 'draconian' boss Richard Frediani Credit: Getty 5 Stars like Sally Nugent are loved by Frediani Credit: BBC Cuts across the TV industry have also left personnel worried about whether they would find work elsewhere if they spoke up and were axed, or chose to quit. A source said: 'The majority feel there is no point in speaking up because Fredi is untouchable. 'Many staffers feel trapped because of the TV world shrinking. 'They're scrambling to stay in their jobs because, if they leave now and can't pivot into another role, they'll be another person in TV out of work. 'They're looking over at the ITV bloodbath — usually ITV would be where they'd go next — but now they can't even go there. 'Many staff relocated up to Manchester to work on the show, so there's that added complication, too.' A BBC insider who has defended Frediani said: 'Yes, he is a bit of a perfectionist, but he is very well liked by many. 'He is aware of the issues and believes he will be vindicated.' Last month, ITV announced a raft of swinging cuts to daytime shows Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, Loose Women and This Morning. More than 220 jobs will be axed, while Loose Women and Lorraine's schedules will be slashed.
Daily Mirror
09-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Rob Rinder shares brutal Rylan admission after 'feeling sense of disappointment'
Judge Rinder star Rob Rinder has opened up about his close relationship with BBC Radio 2 presenter and Celebrity Gogglebox star Rylan Clark, and the impact it has had on his life Rob Rinder has revealed that people often feel a "sense of disappointment" when they meet him in public without Rylan Clark by his side. The 47-year-old has formed a tight-knit friendship with fellow telly presenter Rylan over the past few years. Their three-part series Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour was broadcast in May 2024. The BAFTA TV Award-winning show saw an emotional Rylan discussing his divorce from ex-husband Dan Neal. The BBC Radio 2 star has since described his journey around Italy with Rob as being "like therapy", confessing he "wasn't fully over" the break up. There have been whispers about a potential romance between the two, but Rylan recently clarified that they are "just friends". This came as he paid a heartfelt tribute to Judge Rinder star Rob on his birthday, expressing that he "loves him dearly". Now, during a fresh chat between the duo on Radio 2, Rob disclosed that fans are often let down when he attends events without former X Factor star Rylan. He shared this insight while calling into Rylan's Saturday afternoon programme. Rob said: "I keep walking up to people and they know, obviously, that we're friends, but you can feel the slight sense of disappointment that they're like, 'Oh where's Rylan?' As if I'm the warm-up act. I'm like the rubbish warm-up act that no one shows up for." Rylan, aged 36, responded: "But Rob, that's what I get. Everyone goes, 'Oh, where's Rob? Where's Rob?'". Before their Italian tour together, both Rob and Rylan experienced painful separations. The programme saw them opening up about their experiences as they bonded over a drink. After scooping a BAFTA, Rylan opened up about his personal life, saying: "For me, the show, it happened at a really weird time for me like I still wasn't fully over sort of the breakdown of my marriage and was flung with the judge. It was the best therapy I needed, put it that way." Rylan continued: "I think the journey, and I hate that word in telly but it's so true, when you watch our series, that journey from when we meet to sort of how raw, especially I was at that time." Meanwhile, Rob, who celebrated his wedding to former spouse Seth Cummings in 2013 with none other than Benedict Cumberbatch leading the ceremony, later parted ways with his partner in 2018, with sources describing the split as "very sad". Launching into TV fame with Judge Rinder in 2014, Rob has since danced his way onto shows like Strictly Come Dancing, enjoyed a spot on Celebrity Gogglebox, and popped up on Good Morning Britain. Keeping his legal wits sharp, he also serves as a junior counsel at London's prestigious 2 Hare Court. Meanwhile, Rylan first came into the limelight during 2012's X Factor run. Post-X Factor fame saw him enter the Celebrity Big Brother house in January 2013, shortly after his singing contest stint, and he's since become a familiar face on programmes such as This Morning.
Daily Mirror
08-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Daisy May Cooper shares her 'real name' in sweet social media post
In a post marking her son Benji's first birthday this week, Daisy May Cooper seemingly revealed that her legal surname is still the same as her ex-husband, Will Weston Daisy May Cooper has seemingly shared her real legal name as she posted a sweet throwback photo on social media. The actress and writer, who won the 2018 BAFTA TV Award for Best Female Comedy Performance for playing Kerry Mucklowe in the BBC Three series This Country, has always been known by the surname Cooper since rising to fame. However, in a post shared this week, she revealed that her surname is actually Weston. The photo, shared by Daisy on her Instagram Stories on Friday, is an image of her hospital visit on June 6, 2024, when she gave birth to her son Benji. She wrote: "1 year ago today at 03.04am we welcomed our baby boy into the world." In the snap, her full name is written as Daisy May Weston - the surname of her ex-husband, Will Weston. The pair married in The Cotswolds in September 2019 and they share to children to whom they are "both devoted parents". However, they decided to part ways in 2021 after the Covid-19 lockdown "shone a spotlight" on their marital difficulties. Daisy, 38, is now in a relationship with her new partner, Anthony Huggins, who is Benji's father. The couple met on dating app Hinge in December 2021 and welcomed their child a year ago. When her youngest son was born, Daisy announced the news via Instagram and detailed how the little one arrived earlier than planned, penning: "You came a bit earlier than we expected and gave me the worst post op constipation that I nearly had to phone the Samaritans but my god you are perfect. "I cannot thank @deliverysuitegrh enough. The way you looked after us through such a scary time was above and beyond." Daisy's pregnancy was announced in March last year when she and Anthony packed on PDA while shopping for baby clothes in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. The couple held hands when they stepped out for a spot of shopping, with the actress' bump on full display in a figure-hugging all-black look. The pair could barely keep their hands off one another while making the most of the sunny weather, and Daisy was seen heartily laughing as they went about their day. At the time, a source said: "Daisy is pregnant and is really excited to become a mum for the third time with her new partner. The pair have been going strong, so the addition of a baby will only bring them closer together." Then earlier this year, the couple sparked engagement rumours after Daisy was spotted wearing a diamond rock on her ring finger. Speculation that Anthony had popped the question began in February when Daisy was promoting her BBC series Am I Being Unreasonable? on her Instagram Stories and referred to Anthony as her "fiancé" for the first time. In a clip, she jested that her "fit fiancé and baby daddy" would make an appearance on screen. It was reported at the beginning of the year that Daisy and Anthony were happily engaged and "over the moon" with the news after a secret proposal. A source told The Sun at the time: "Daisy and Anthony are madly in love with each other and are a success story for dating apps. Their relationship has gone from strength to strength and already have a baby boy together." In addition to son Benji, Daisy shares children Pip, five, and Jack, three, with her ex Will. After their break-up, Daisy admitted to The Times: "Will is amazing, an incredible, incredible dad - but fundamentally, there wasn't real love there, I don't think there ever was, really." She went on to reveal that the lockdown "shone a spotlight" on their marital difficulties" and that she needed to be by herself after the strains of the Covid-19 pandemic.
