BBC Radio Norwich presenter Alan Partridge today gave evidence at the Leveson Inquiry into media ethics, accusing The News of the World of targeting his comedy alter ego Steve Coogan, writes Tom Carlisle.
The inquiry heard how tabloid reporters rifled through the rubbish of Partridge’s most famous character Coogan, who is most renowned for his grumpy persona and his bit parts in straight-to-DVD films.
“Knowing me, Alan Partridge, knowing you, Lord Justice Leveson, Ah-ha,” said Partridge as he took his seat.
“I can’t believe this has happened. I can’t believe the Press are more interested in what’s in Coogan’s bins than the contents of my latest autobiography I, Partridge: I Think We Need To Talk About Alan – which is available in stores now.
“I don’t think they even realise that Coogan is a fictional character.”
Partridge seemed hurt that the Press were not as interested in his own lurid private life as they were in digging for dirt on publicity-shy character Coogan.
He said: “My divorce from Carol, and later relationship with a Ukranian, 14 years younger than me I might add, is well worth column inches. A lot more exciting than these so called ‘kiss-and-tell’ stories that Coogan has apparently been involved in.”
The appearance follows yesterday’s command performance by former British Prime Minister Hugh Grant.
