Latest news with #SteveCoogan
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Steve Coogan: ‘Fawning podcast fans should get a life'
The comedian and award-winning actor, who hosts the weekly podcast Alan Partridge: From the Oasthouse, also took aim at the 'tsunami' of podcasts hosted by 'anyone with any confidence or conviction'. 'I do think the podcast bubble might be about to burst,' he said of the countless celebrity-hosted shows which have 'followers flock to them'. Coogan has posed as his evergreen character Alan Partridge since 1991, when he was created for the BBC Radio 4 comedy programme On the Hour. The comedian turned his hand to podcasting as the character in 2020, when podcasts exploded in popularity during the Covid pandemic. Coogan, who writes the show with his long-time collaborators Neil and Rob Gibbons, explained: 'The podcast is stuff we want to do, that we're passionate about and we think is funny and relevant.' He differentiates it from 'intimate chat' celebrity podcasts because every word of the show is scripted and rehearsed. 'People forget it's not real, it's all written,' Coogan said, adding: 'Even when Alan is going away on a train of thought, all that's been crafted so it's funny.' The Telegraph described the first episode of the podcast as '25 minutes of sheer Partridge pleasure' in its review, saying Coogan's 'fictional alter ego is on top form'. Political podcasts Speaking about the crowded industry, the comedian said there 'used to be proper analysis' offered, particularly in political shows. He explained: 'The problem with political podcasts is there are no solutions. There used to be proper analysis that was evidence-based with references and research. 'Now it's loads of people's gut feelings everywhere. They just like talking about politics, the game of it.' While he didn't single any out by name, the actor said his focus remains on trying 'to get the balance between doing stuff that has some substance, without vanishing up my own arse, and doing things that are entertaining'. He continued: 'If you go one way or the other, for me that's failing. I want it to be about something, but I don't want to be a bore.'
The Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Steve Coogan says he now dresses the same as character Alan Partridge
Steve Coogan, 59, has stated he feels he is increasingly morphing into his long-standing alter-ego, Alan Partridge, a character he has played for over three decades since 1991. Coogan recounted an incident where he discovered he was wearing a shirt identical to one prepared for Partridge on set, leading him to feel the lines between himself and the character were blurring. He explained that he needed to change into the costume shirt for his 'own sanity' to maintain a clear distinction between his identity and Partridge's. A new Partridge series, 'And Did Those Feet… with Alan Partridge,' is forthcoming, which will see the character return to his home county of Norfolk after working in Saudi Arabia. Coogan is also set to reunite with Rob Brydon for a fifth season of 'The Trip,' with filming scheduled to commence in Scandinavia later this year.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Ketchup or brown sauce on a fry-up? Scientists FINALLY settle the debate - as they reveal the formula for the perfect Full English Breakfast
It is a truly English creation – a meal eaten all over the country, said to 'start the day like no other'. Commonly consisting of bacon, sausage, eggs and toast, the full English breakfast dates back to the Victorian era. And there's no doubt it is as iconic a meal in English cuisine as roast beef or fish & chips. What's more up for debate, however, is the exact combination of components that make the perfect full English. Now, MailOnline has spoken to scientists to settle the controversy once and for all. The experts have devised the formula for the perfect fry–up – including whether ketchup or brown sauce makes the ideal accompaniment. In addition, the scientists have revealed the best way to arrange the elements on your plate for optimal enjoyment. As suggested by Steve Coogan's comic character in 'I'm Alan Partridge', they confirm that sausages can be used as a 'breakwater' between the egg and the beans so that they don't mix. Dr Nutsuda Sumonsiri, a lecturer in food science and technology at Teesside University, called the full English a 'much–loved tradition'. 'Its enduring appeal lies in its careful balance of taste, texture, and nutritional content,' she told MailOnline. According to the academic, a perfect full English breakfast balances all five of the basic tastes – sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami. She claims it needs eggs (which she calls the 'centerpiece') with grilled tomato, mushrooms, toast and a helping of meat – either sausage or bacon, if not both. 'Saltiness comes from the bacon and sausages, sweetness from the beans and tomatoes, sourness from grilled tomatoes or sauces, bitterness from charred or toasted elements, and umami from mushrooms, eggs, and cured meats,' she said. 'This multi–layered flavour profile enhances both palatability and satisfaction.' Meanwhile, additional elements such as black pudding and hash browns are 'discretionary and more regional', she said. Part of what makes the full English so satisfying is the Maillard reaction – a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs under heat. Ketchup or brown sauce? According to the experts, tomato ketchup is a preferable accompaniment for a fry–up than brown sauce. This is partly due to its greater sweetness and the 'vibrancy' of red ketchup being 'more visually appealing,' Professor Spence told MailOnline. Dr Sumonsiri agreed that ketchup is sweeter and more acidic, so works well with eggs and potatoes. However, she added that brown sauce's spices and malt vinegar complement the savoury richness of meats. Dr Sumonsiri said this reaction, which occurs in various different fry–up elements, 'creates hundreds of complex flavour and aroma compounds'. 'It is responsible for the rich browning and deep savoury notes in the sausages, bacon, toast, and fried eggs,' she told MailOnline. Charles Spence, professor of experimental psychology at Oxford University, agrees grilled tomato and mushrooms are essential for that 'double umami hit', along with eggs and bacon – 'preferably a bit crispy'. Professor Spence, who used to cook 36 full English breakfasts every day when working at his parents' B&B in Leeds 30 years ago, also recommends two elements that are sadly 'going out of fashion' – fried bread and black pudding. In terms of condiments, it's bad news for brown sauce fans. Tomato ketchup is a preferable accompaniment for a fry–up than brown sauce, partly due to its greater sweetness and the 'vibrancy' of red ketchup being 'more visually appealing,' Professor Spence told MailOnline. Dr Sumonsiri said ketchup, being sweeter and more acidic, works well with eggs and potatoes, but brown sauce's spices and malt vinegar complement the savoury richness of meats. In Isabella Beeton's Book of Household Management, a classic Victorian text from 1861, a breakfast of 'fried ham and eggs' is mentioned Almost as hotly–contested is how the elements of a full English should be positioned on the plate, which if done right can help 'maintain textural integrity'. Dr Sumonsiri recommends the toast or fried bread to be placed away from moisture-rich components like tomatoes and beans to prevent sogginess, while eggs should be placed on top of the toast on the other side of the plate, so that the bread can 'absorb yolk run–off'. Although individual components of a 'fry–up' have a long history, the full English originated in the Victoria era as the breakfast of the wealthy – although some sources state even earlier. In Isabella Beeton's Book of Household Management, a classic Victorian text from 1861, a breakfast of 'fried ham and eggs' is mentioned. Professor Rebecca Earle, a food historian at the University of Warwick, thinks the term 'full English breakfast' started to appear in the 1920s. 'A reference from 1928 refers to a "full English breakfast" of ham or bacon, and eggs, which the British Legion promised would be served to people who went on a tour of WWI battlefield sites that they were organising,' she told MailOnline. 'In 1939, one hotel advertised that guests could "enjoy a full English breakfast at Vane Court – eggs and bacon, marmalade and toast". 'So we don't see any of the "extras" – mushrooms, baked beans, fried bread, a grilled tomato – that we might now consider markers of a full English breakfast.' In 2017, YouGov asked 1,400 English people: 'Which, if any, of the following food items would you want as part of your ideal 'Full English' breakfast?' Bacon was cited by 89 per cent, more than any other item 'Of course people were eating breakfasts long before 1928 – and might have been eating a fried egg with bacon, grilled mushrooms, a sausage, toast, jam – but it was not routinely labelled a "full English breakfast".' The hearty dish became more and more popular until its peak in the 1950s, at which point roughly half of British people consumed a cooked breakfast. Despite health concerns regrading several of its ingredients, the fry–up is still popular today – but fierce debate remains over what should and shouldn't be included on the plate. According to 2017 research by YouGov, bacon is considered the most important element of a Full English breakfast, followed by sausage and toast. When polled, 89 per cent of 1,400 English people said bacon would feature on the plate for their ideal Full English, followed by 82 per cent for sausage and 73 per cent for toast. Less important elements were fried egg (named by 65 per cent), hash brown (60 per cent), fried mushrooms (48 per cent), fried bread (47 per cent), black pudding (35 per cent) and fried tomato (23 per cent). Other more controversial additions to the plate were tinned tomatoes (21 per cent), chips (nine per cent), pancakes (six per cent) and boiled egg (six per cent). Bubble and squeak, meanwhile, did not get a mention. Speaking to Rick Stein during his BBC series last year, broadcaster and travel writer Stuart Maconie called the hash brown an 'American incursion' into the Full English breakfast, often coming at the expense of bubble and squeak. The cooked tomato, meanwhile, is often 'a bag of boiling hot water that clings to the roof of your mouth', Maconie added. He also praised the full Scottish breakfast, which usually includes haggis, square sausage and Tattie scones, made with potatoes, flour and butter. The other British variation, the full Welsh breakfast, has cockles and laverbread, a traditional delicacy made from seaweed. Could a full English breakfast be healthier than yoghurt with granola? A traditional fry–up is better for you than fashionable breakfasts such as granola and fruity yoghurt, say scientists. The classic full English is bursting with protein, vitamins and nutrients, keeps you full–up for longer and is even good for your brain, research shows. Meanwhile, many so–called 'healthy', 'low–fat' on–the–go breakfasts are commonly packed with sugar, corn syrup and fruit juice concentrate. These simple carbohydrates provide a short–lived energy boost but later on can leave us feeling sluggish and craving unhealthy treats. Experts found that cooked morning meals contained complex carbohydrates and healthy fats that helped sustain us all day long. And a moderately portioned fry–up, using quality, unprocessed British ingredients, can contain as little as 600 calories – around a quarter of an adult's recommended daily intake. Meanwhile, some top–selling fruit and yoghurt bars have up to 220 calories per biscuit, meaning just three bickies could total more calories than a plate of eggs, bacon and sausage. With a fry–up, people also have the option to emit cholesterol–heavy items like bacon, sausage and black pudding to make it healthier. The report, commissioned by Ski Vertigo, warned Brits to beware of breakfast products high in sugar and simple carbs 'but marketed as 'healthy'. It said: 'To fuel your body properly, the key is balancing macronutrients – protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates. 'A breakfast rich in these nutrients stabilises your blood sugar and keeps you full longer.
BBC News
11-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Steve Coogan's regeneration role 'a coup', says mayor
Appointing comedian and actor Steve Coogan to lead the regeneration of his home town of Middleton is a major "coup" for Greater Manchester, the region's mayor has and Rose Marley the chief executive of Co-operatives UK, have been named as co-chairs of the Middleton Development Corporation (MDC), a body given extra powers to speed up development and attract investment for the the choice of Coogan, mayor Andy Burnham said: "He is one of the most successful business people in the country."Coogan, 59, most famously the creator of spoof TV presenter Alan Partridge, grew up in Middleton and said he wanted to "put back into a community that was very good to me". Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester: "He is one of the cleverest, most creative people there is and he is from Middleton."He is passionate about the place and wants to bring all of his ingenuity to rethinking the town."In my view it is a coup to have both Rose and someone of Steve's stature willing to devote their time to bringing their home town forward."I am so grateful to them both." Boost growth The Academy Award-nominated and Bafta-winning star Coogan will work with Rochdale Council on proposals including restoring Middleton Arena, regenerating the town gardens and bringing the Metrolink tram network to the appointment was announced alongside five other MDCs, which are designed to boost growth in the city region.A Greater Manchester Combined Authority spokesman said the projects would create tens of thousands of new jobs and deliver thousands of new homes, as well as new manufacturing sites and commercial has been chief executive officer of Co-operatives UK for four years. Her Manchester-based social enterprise SharpFutures supports diverse, young talent into creative, digital and tech industries. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"You can't change the world, but you can change things locally": The Greater Manchester town which is about to be run like a co-operative - and Steve Coogan is driving the change
Middleton is set for a revamp - and comedian Steve Coogan will be a key part in driving the change. New homes and businesses, improved roads and a Metrolink stop could all be part of the regeneration. The changes will be part of the Middleton 'mayoral development corporation' (MDC) - a public body which will oversee the regeneration. It will see Rochdale council collaborating with Andy Burnham to rejuvenate the town. Mr Coogan, who hails from Alkrington, will join forces with Co-operatives chief executive Rose Marley to drive the project. READ MORE: First look inside iconic mill transformation READ MORE: No 3am 'Oasis shows' booze licence for coffee shop a 'stone's throw' from Heaton Park 'Middleton is a town I want to help because it's helped me,' he says. 'It was a great place to grow up and it did a lot for me. 'It's a town really rich in history, the history of people power, and it has a great civil rights history, with social reformers like Sam Bamford coming from this area. It's a place which has a strong sense of its own identity.' Mr Coogan - whose grandparents lived on the Langley estate - says his years of gigging across the UK taught him that Middleton people 'have got a sense of themselves'. Key to the rejuvenation will be consultation with those residents. He adds: 'The Mayoral Development Corporation to me is a very exciting opportunity for me to put back into a community that was very good to me and helped me in my early years. 'I feel I owe the people of Middleton a debt. That's why I'm happy to be involved and talk to people in Middleton and ask them what they want and what they need. 'You can't change the world, but you can change the things in your locality if you get involved. So I'm getting involved.' At the heart of the plans are proposals - which councillors have long lobbied for - to bring the Metrolink to Middleton; create new homes on brownfield plots; high-quality business premises; and better public areas, roads and pathways. Ms Marley - who grew-up in north Manchester and still has friends and family in Middleton - says she is confident Middleton people will tell her and Mr Coogan what they need. 'Middleton has a great cultural and musical heritage and Middleton people stand up for what they believe in. There is a real character and sense of community here,' she says. Ms Marley says the MDC model will unlock investment - but it must be delivered in line with local needs and desires. 'As Rochdale is the birthplace of the co-operative movement, we're keen to run the Middleton MDC along co-operative values, to ensure that everyone has a voice and the wealth is distributed as close as possible to where it is generated,' she says. 'We don't just want a gentrification in Middleton,' Mr Coogan adds. 'We want it to be something that empowers the local people and brings in investment and improves the lives of everyone who lives there.' The idea of an MDC for Middleton was put forward by Rochdale Borough Council to help build on the regeneration which has already taken place in the area - including the opening of the Middleton Arena, the redevelopment of Middleton Gardens and the restoration of a number of historic buildings across the town centre. Previous ambitions for a revamp have been scuppered by red tape - something the MDC powers should unlock. It's hoped the model will be so successful it's used for other Greater Manchester towns and those across the U.K. The Middleton MDC chairs-designate were announced as part of the launch of the Greater Manchester Strategy 2025-2035, a blueprint for how Mr Burnham and the region's councils will work together over the next decade. Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, says he is delighted with the plans. 'Although he enjoys national and international fame and success, Middleton-born Steve retains a deep connection to the area and I'm thrilled that he is using his voice and profile to help to turbo charge its regeneration,' he says. 'I'm also delighted that Rose Marley is lending her extensive expertise to this vital project. 'As a councillor in Middleton for many years, and someone who, like Steve, attended Cardinal Langley School, I'm incredibly passionate about the area and know that with the right support in place, we can achieve great things for the benefit of its residents. 'We've already done a lot to regenerate Middleton in recent years, but we need to take it much further and an MDC gives us that extra power to do even more, even faster. 'We're still early on in this process, and we will be speaking to residents and businesses across Middleton in the coming months to find out what they want from an MDC and how they want it to work.' Mr Burnham - whose first job was as an unpaid reporter on the Middleton Guardian - says the next decade will be all about ensuring everyone benefits from 'our economic growth story'. 'I know Steve and Rose will be fully committed to that mission, and we're all excited to work with them to deliver for residents in Middleton,' he says. 'Steve is a real champion of community-led change and the power of local people to make a difference - so it's fantastic to have him leading a new Mayoral Development Corporation right here in his home town.'
