Steve Coogan Page 6

Tributes have poured in for Caroline Aherne, who sadly passed away yesterday at the age of 52, after a long battle with cancer. A TV fixture throughout the nineties, Aherne will be best remembered for her Mrs Merton character and sitcom ‘The Royle Family’, which she starred in and co-wrote with Craig Cash.

Caroline Aherne with Craig Cash, Ricky Tomlinson, Sue Johnson and Ralf Little in ‘The Royle Family’.

Speaking to The Mirror, Ricky Tomlinson who played her father Jim on ‘The Royle Family’ said: “She was absolutely wonderful and amazing to work for. Kind, funny, witty. A true professional and one of the most generous people I ever worked with.”

Continue reading: Friends And Co-Stars Pay Tribute To Caroline Aherne

British actor and comedian Steve Coogan has been banned from driving for a month after he was caught speeding in Brighton in October last year.

The 50 year old actor, behind comic creations such as Alan Partridge, pleaded guilty to driving at nearly twice the speed limit in the Sussex city on October 14th 2015. He was snapped in his £25,000 Mazda MX-5 SE sports car travelling at 54 miles per hour in a 30 mph zone, according to Sussex Police.

Coogan, thought to be worth approximately £7 million, was not present at the hearing at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (February 24th), but he was represented via his solicitor.

Continue reading: Steve Coogan Hit With Driving Ban After Speeding

Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon will be taking to the road again for a third series of ‘The Trip’. This time the pair will sample the cuisine of Spain, taking in Cantabria, the Basque region, Aragon, Castile-La Mancha, and Andalusia. The third series will be shown on Sky Atlantic, with the first two having aired on BBC Two.

Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon are returning for a third series of 'The Trip'.

Brydon confirmed the news on twitter with the comedian announcing, “The Trip is returning, this time to Spain via Sky Atlantic. Shooting in the Autumn. Hurrah!” He later responded to a fan who asked if the new series would follow the same format, by joking, ‘Same format? Same jokes!’

Continue reading: Steven Coogan And Rob Brydon Set For Third Series Of 'The Trip'

British actor Steve Coogan has been cast alongside John C. Reilly in a new biopic about legendary comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. Coogan will play Stan Laurel, with Reilly taking the role of his partner Oliver Hardy. The film’s script has been penned by Jeff Pope, who worked with Coogan on Philomena and it will be directed by Filth's Jon S. Baird.

Steve Coogan has been cast as Stan Laurel in a new biopic.

Titled Stan & Ollie, the film will focus on the duo’s 1953 tour of UK variety halls and is described as an "emotional tribute to two of the funniest men in movie history,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. It is being developed by BBC Films and produced by Fable Pictures and Sonesta Films.

Continue reading: Steve Coogan And John C. Reilly To Star In Laurel And Hardy Biopic

The devastating fallout in northern Britain from Storm Desmond over the weekend has even affected the celebrity world, as comedian Steve Coogan mentioned that he had been caught in a landslide while travelling and forced to spend the night in his car.

The 49 year old actor and writer, speaking to ‘BBC Breakfast’ on Tuesday morning (December 8th) about his new autobiography ‘Easily Distracted’, said that he was visiting his hometown of Coniston in Cumbria over the weekend when his car became trapped by a landslide while driving near Thirlmere reservoir, and was stuck there until a friend dug him out the following morning.

Steve Coogan was trapped in his car by a landslide during Storm Desmond

Continue reading: Steve Coogan Forced To Spend Night In Car Having Become Trapped By Landslide During Storm Desmond

Alan Partridge is set to bring his unique presenting style to a special Christmas edition of revived Channel 4 show ‘TFI Friday’. Steve Coogan's comedy creation will join host Chris Evans on December 18th, for what promises to be an unmissable episode of the Friday night chat-show.

Alan Partridge will join Chris Evans for 'TFI Friday’s' Christmas special.

Guests on the night include comedians James Corden, Jack Whitehall and Lee Mack as well as singer Tom Jones. There will also be music from Bryan Adams, Lianne La Havas and Elle King.

Continue reading: A-Ha! Alan Partridge To Co-Host 'TFI Friday' Christmas Special With Chris Evans

British actor and comedian Steve Coogan has replaced the late Philip Seymour Hoffman in the upcoming dramedy pilot Happyish. The untimely death of Hoffman earlier this year left a gaping hole in the movie industry, though - and I think enough time has passed to say this - it also left several high quality parts up for grabs, given the 46-year-old was the greatest of his generation.

Steven Coogan will play Thom Payne in Showtime's 'Happyish'

Hoffman didn't do dud roles and Thom Payne in Happyish was another nugget. It is now down to Coogan to play the 44-year-old guy who begins to feel his age when a 25-year-old kid waltzes in and becomes his new boss. The young, trendy executive knows the industry spiel and Thom is left trying to discover a path to happiness. Nick Venable of Cinema Blend has tipped up Modern Family's Adam DeVine to play the smart-ass boss - and that could be right on the money.

Continue reading: Steve Coogan Can Shine As Philip Seymour Hoffman's Replacement In 'Happyish'

There might still be life in Alan Partridge's media career yet, after creator Steve Coogan told journalists at the BAFTA's that he plans to "do something else" with his most famous character.

Jeff Pope [L] and Steve Coogan [R] With the BAFTA for Best Adapted Screenplay

Coogan, 48, won the BAFTA for best adapted screenplay for Philomena, though insisted he would not be forgetting about North Norfolk's favourite local radio DJ just yet.

Continue reading: After BAFTA Win, Steve Coogan Teases New Alan Partridge Projects

Awards season finally hit London on Sunday night as Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave collected three top awards at the London Critics' Circle Film Awards: Film of the Year, best actor Chiwetel Ejiofor and supporting actress for Lupita Nyong'o. Winners in attendance included McQueen, supporting actor Barkad Abdi (Captain Phillips), Excellence in Film honouree Gary Oldman, and cast and crew of the double winner The Selfish Giant. In addition, Steve Coogan collected Judi Dench's British actress award, while Andy Serkis read out a hilarious message from Cate Blanchett, who won best actress. Have a look over our photos from the event, we have The London Critics' Circle Film Awards Arrivals photos as well as photos of the guest leaving and signing for fans at the end of the night. We also have a full list of London Critics' Circle Film Awards winners, lead by 12 Years a Slave.

The awards ceremony started just a few minutes after it was confirmed that Philip Seymour Hoffman died in New York, and when the announcement was made the audience rose in a spontaneous standing ovation. Over the last few days, the film and theatre communities have been speaking out over Hoffman's untimely death. We have video footage shot as Philip Seymour Hoffman's body is retrieved from his apartment. We also recap his glorious career - Philip Seymour Hoffman's movies list features classic after classic.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: 12 Years Rules London, Stars Mourn Hoffman, New Films From Russia, Macfarlane And Gyllenhaal

BFI figures have shown the UK film industry is celebrating a record breaking year for investment with imput reaching over £1 billion. The investment in British film production from overseas sources has risen by 14% since last year to £1.075bn for 2013, according to The Guardian.

George Clooney filming The Monuments Men in Rye, Sussex

The UK film industry was helped this year by 37 major international productions basing themselves in the UK. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy began its filming in the UK, taking over Millennium Bridge in London last August. Another film which saw some filming take place in Britain was The Monuments Men, a comedy/drama starring George Clooney. This trend of filming in the UK is set to continue with the next Star Wars movie and Avengers: Age of Ultron also choosing to film in Britain.

Continue reading: BFI Investment In British Film Reaches The Billions

Plenty of shows try to push the envelope with their second season; developing new and crazy ideas in a bid to keep the fans hooked to the fresh new take. Not Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon’s The Trip though, no: that’s the same as before, just in Italy.

The Trip to Italy sees Brydon and Coogan traverse warmer climes than the Lakes

"It's sort of the same as the first one, really,” Coogan explained at the premiere of the show at the Sundance Film Festival (they’ve shoved all six episodes together to make a film, too).

Continue reading: What Every Fan Of 'The Trip' Wanted To Hear: "It's Sort Of The Same As The First"

Rob Brydon has taken to Twitter to give fans of The Trip a welcome announcement; a film version of the second series – which sees the pair travel to Italy instead of England’s lush North – is to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival 2014, with an episodic TV version to follow.

Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan on their Trip to Italy

The Trip to Italy follows the same format as The Trip, with Steve Coogan and Brydon playing themselves, and travelling to various restaurants, doing ridiculous impressions in a constant game of sometimes-light-hearted one-upmanship.

Continue reading: Rob Brydon Announces 'The Trip To Italy' Will Premiere At Sundance 2014

Thanksgiving weekend represents a real mix of genres should you venture out to the pictures. From animated Disney musical action in Frozen, to hyper-violent revenge seeking in Oldboy, there’s truly something for everyone. But what are you going to pick? Well we can start by ruling something out: Oldboy.

Josh Brolin and Samuel L. Jackson in Oldboy

Spike Lee seems to have missed a trick with this remake of the South Korean cult classic, which sees a man trapped for several years without explanation, only for his revenge trip to be colored by further torment. Josh Brolin stars, alongside Samuel L. Jackson, but despite an admittedly impressive cast, the film falls short on many levels.

Continue reading: Tonight In Cinemas: Oldboy, Philomena, Frozen, Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Pick A Winner?

Philomena enjoyed a brilliant critical response in the UK, with special mentions for actors Steve Coogan and Judi Dench for the way they handled the emotive subject matter with grace, dignity and a level of humility, injecting a sensitive level of lightheartedness. But, with the film’s U.S release two days ago, how will it translate to an American audience?

Philomena is out for the Thanksgiving weekend in the U.S

The story, based on real life events, surrounds a journalist’s quest to unite a mother with her lost son. Dench plays Philomena, who fell pregnant at a young age, out of wedlock. The nuns in her Irish-catholic looked upon her situation with disdain, putting her son up for adoption in America.

Continue reading: Will 'Philomena' Translate To U.S Market With Its Thanksgiving Release?

Go big or go home seems to be the motto for Norwich’s lights switch-on. Also Alan Partridge. Really, who wouldn’t want to look at the fictional funnyman’s face in lights every time they go out? Norwich residents certainly don’t seem to mind.

Congratulations to Steve Coogan for receiving what must be the biggest honor given to anyone in showbiz ever.

The massive display was stitched on in front of a crowd of hundreds, by BT Sport frontman Jake Humphrey last night (November 21). It was announced as “the biggest lights switch-on since the 3-day break” by Alan’s friend, Michael, aka Simon Greenhail.

Continue reading: And A Partridge In A....Lights Display? Merry Christmas From Norwich Residents And Their Giant Alan Partridge Christmas Lights!

Don't laugh. We're serious. Stephen Frears' new movie Philomena, based on the investigative book by BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith, could well figure in the behemoth that is the American movie awards season following stunning reviews in its homeland this week.

Watch the Philomena trailer:

It stars Oscar-winner Judi Dench as the title character, a mother to a boy conceived out of wedlock, something her Irish-Catholiccommunity didn't take kindly to. The child was given away for adoption to the United States and Philomena was forced to sign a doctrine promising she would not look for him. Years later, she meets Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), a BBC reporter with whom she decides to set off on a journey to find her long-lost son.

Continue reading: BAFTA Bound, But Could 'Philomena' Feature At The Oscars?

Philomena stars Judi Dench as Philomena Lee in the movie adaptation of Martin Sixsmith's 2009 novel The Lost Children of Philomena Lee. Co-starring Steve Coogan as Sixsmith, the film is an emotionally moving and shocking true story that follows Sixsmith's journey to help find Philomena's lost children. Handled masterfully by The Queen director Stephen Frears, the film has been universally praised for its sensitive tone and lighthearted comic relief, with the performances from the two stars also being singled out for wide praise.

Dench and Coogan give an acting masterclass in Philomena

Having just been sacked from his job as a government spin doctor, Sixsmith is sent by his editor to do a "human interest story," an idea he at first resents, until he comes across the elderly Philomena Lee. We and Sixsmith soon discover that Lee was sent to a Catholic home for unmarried mothers in the 1950's, where she gave birth to her son, who she was forced to give up for adoption by the zealous nuns running the home.

Continue reading: Critics Agree, 'Philomena' Is A "Serious" Comedy That Needs To Be Seen

The stars continue to be out in London in the second week of the 57th London Film Festival. Judi Dench and Steve Coogan were on-hand with their new film Philomena, Joseph Gordon-Levitt got the crowd screaming outside the cinema before the screening of his writing-directing debut Don John, and. Click here for Philomena trailer and pics, or here for pics and the trailer for Don Jon and you can browse through our photo gallery of this week's Labor Day premiere in London.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus was also at the festival with filmmaker Nicole Holofcener for the UK premiere of their intelligent, offbeat romantic-comedy Enough Said, which features one of the final performances from the late James Gandolfini. It opens in British cinemas this weekend. You can read our Enough Said review here.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: Stars Come Out In London, We Get A Glimpse Of The New Jack Ryan, And Keanu Brings Us A Japanese Fantasy

Perhaps it’s testament to the timeless power of Steve Coogan’s character, Alan Partridge, that people can’t stop quoting his most famous catchphrase, but last night, when the actor was on the red carpet for his latest movie Philomena, the ‘Ahas!’ just kept coming.

Watch Dench and Coogan in the trailer for Philomena

Continue reading: Steve Coogan Gets Plenty Of 'Ahas!' At Philomena's BFI Screening

From the 9th October, London will play host to its annual film festival; an event increasingly becoming recognised alongside the likes of Venice, Cannes and Toronto for launching an impressive array of films as the best in world cinema head to Leicester Square to showcase the best filmmaking on the planet.

Tom Hanks Plays Captain Phillips Whose Ship Is Hijacked By Pirates.

Actor Tom Hanks will certainly hold a strong presence at the event, which will run from 9-20th October, with his two films providing the opening and closing movie of the whole festival. Captain Phillips will be the film to kick off the fortnight's celebration of cinema, having also opened the New York Film Festival.

Continue reading: London Film Festival Line-Up Revealed: Are There Any Movies Without Tom Hanks In?

Steve Coogan is known for his seminal character: Alan Partridge. He even mocked the disparity of popularity between his work with a live show entitled ‘Steve Coogan Live - As Alan Partridge And Other Less Successful Characters.'

Steve Coogan, Sophie Kennedy Clark, Dame Judy Dench and Stephen Frears at the Venice Film Festival

With such a well-known character, indeed, Partridge is one of the U.K’s most popular comedy creations; it’s difficult to break free of the comedy mould. Especially when you’ve just been all over the big screen in a comedy feature. But Coogan was striving for something more than making people laugh.

Continue reading: The Dramatic Side Of Steve Coogan In 'Philomena'

Ricky Gervais is taking a leaf out of Steve Coogan's book by resurrecting his most famous comic creation for a big screen outing. Following the universal praise and significant success of Alan Partridge's first big screen outing in Alpha Papa, Gervais is planning a big screen trip for his The Office creation David Brent, with movie being just one of many future outings that Gervais has lined up for the cringe-inducing Brent.

Gervais will bring back his David Brent character for a string of new projects

Following the success of his YouTube series 'Learn To Play Guitar With David Brent,' which he launched in May this year, Gervais soon began discussing plans to take Brent on tour following numerous 'six figure' discussions with various record companies to make a Brent album. After initially claiming that the album offers were too little, too late, it now looks as though Gervais will be bringing back Brent for a string of new projects, with the album, tour and movie all expected to arrive in the next few years. Details about what we can expect and when we can expect it have yet to be announced officially, although we can hopefully expect to hear something from Gervais or one of his representative in the near-future.

Continue reading: Ricky Gervais Planning 'David Brent' Film Based On YouTube Series

We're the Millers had a huge premiere in London this week, and stars Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis and Will Poulter were all over town promoting the film before walking the blue carpet in Leicester Square. It opened in the US last week, and hits Britain next week. Here's a video of Jennifer Aniston leaving Los Angeles for the London premiere. Here we have pictures of Jennifer Aniston braving rainy London for 'We're The Millers' Premiere.

Also in London, Rachel McAdams attended the world premiere of her new movie About Time, about a guy who travels back in time to find himself a girlfriend. She was accompanied by costars Bill Nighy and Domhnall Gleeson, plus filmmaker Richard Curtis, at Somerset House, where the premiere screening was held outdoors. The film opens next month. Click here for pictures from the premiere and the trailer for Richard Curtis' rom-com 'About Time'.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: Jennifer Promotes The Millers, Angelina Goes Evil, Coogan Moves Beyond Alan Partridge

Before he went off to the Cinema, paid £9 for a large popcorn, handed over his Odeon card and sat down in his premiere seats, The Inbetweener’s James Buckley admitted to his Twitter followers that he read for a part in Alpha Papa, the film he was off to see that evening.

The Alpha Papa poster

Of course, he didn’t get the part, but he still felt the need to tell us that, which can probably give us some sort of indication as to why they didn’t give him the job.

Continue reading: James Buckley Read For Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa: "I Wasn’t Cast"

The trailer has been released for Philomena, a heart-warming drama with a moving story. Steve Coogan (Alan Partridge) and Dame Judi Dench (Skyfall) will star as the main characters who become unlikely friends in their quest for the truth.

Judi Dench & Steve Coogan In Philomena.

The narrative follows journalist Martin Sixsmith (Coogan); a once political journalist who begins to follow a new line of 'human-interest' enquiry when a stranger who knew he was a reporter approached him and mentioned that she had a friend with a secret family mystery that needed solving. He was led to Philomena Lee (Dench) who had a secret she'd kept tightly locked away for 50 years: she had a son who she'd never told anyone about.

Continue reading: 'Philomena': Steve Coogan & Judi Dench Star In Heart-Warming Drama [Trailer]

Fans of Alan Partridge, who will be flocking to cinemas in their droves tomorrow night (Wed, Aug 7) in search of some laughs as Alpha Papa is released, can at least get a comedy shot tonight as the creator of the character, Steve Coogan is going on the One Show to promote the movie.

Check out this Alpha Papa clip - Alan's a Nazi?

Coogan’s been doing the rounds recently to put Alpha Papa out there, but in truth, he didn’t really have to. Fans of the franchise have been waiting for a movie for years now, and no amount of press coverage will sway their decision to see the film. Still, Coogan – who created Alan Partridge – has been doing the circuit.

Continue reading: Alan Partridge (Steve Coogan) Going On 'The One Show' Tonight!

Comic-Con in San Diego last weekend featured a staggering array of star power presenting their upcoming superhero movies. Chris Evans and Scarlett wound up the fans while talking about Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Benicio Del Toro and Djimon Hounsou were on hand to chat about Marvel's interstellar epic Guardians of the Galaxy. Tom Hiddleston talked up Thor: The Dark World. And the enormous cast of X-men: Days of Future Past turned up, including acting veterans Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart. Watch Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson talk 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' at Comic-Con, or see Djimon Hounsou and Benicio Del Toro discuss 'Guardians of the Galaxy' at Comic-Con. Check out the video of Tom Hiddleston talking about 'Thor: The Dark World' at Comic-Con and see Ian Mckellen and Patrick Stewart getting a little sentimental during 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' Comic-Con Q&A.

In addition, Hugh Jackman and James Mangold continued their globe-hopping press tour, arriving in San Diego to discuss their new X-men movie The Wolverine, the Japan-set adventure that arrives in US and UK cinemas this weekend. Watch 'The Wolverine Press conference here, click to view the 'The Wolverine' trailer or read our The Wolverine Review.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: Stars Shine At Comic-Con, Coogan Launches Alpha Papa, More Gravity Thrills

It was a triumphant return to Norwich for Alan Partridge, the man who brought the city first class chat in a relaxed atmosphere. He stepped out of a moderate people carrier to be greeted by a thousand fans, at least, and had some excellent words for his faithful crew of work-dodgers.

Lapping it up, this was a proud moment for Partridge

“This is my love letter to Norwich,” he told the crowd. “The people have spoken in the biggest petition since the clinic started handing out johnnies to 13-year-olds; £4m has gone on this film, which could have gone to a brand-new antenatal unit or Help for Heroes, but we spent it on this film,” he added, referencing the Twitter campaign that ensured a Norwich Premiere. (BBC)

Continue reading: Partridge Flies High At Norwich Premiere Of Alpha Papa

Alan Partridge emerged proudly from a modest people-carrier in the centre of Norwich yesterday. He hadn’t any designs on a shopping spree at the local market, neither was he finding his way to the controversial scooped roofed swimming pool; no, he was greeting adoring fans at the premiere of his new film, Alpha Papa.

"It's one that could spark a cultural renaissance that is as cultural as the Renaissance,” said Coogan’s comic creation of the film, according to the BBC. "This film is my love-letter to Norwich. I love Norwich." On his return to Norfolk, having traversed the U.K in search for a place to speak to the nation, he said: "It feels like sitting in a warm bath whilst having a cup of cocoa and peanut butter on toast whilst watching Air Crash Investigation on a TV - it feels good."

Continue reading: Alan Partridge On 'Alpa Papa' Premiere: "It Feels Like Sitting In A Warm Bath"

Alan Partridge is unique in more ways than one; his wide range of books and radio shows is unparalleled, but unlike other comic creations, he hasn’t hit a bum note. There’s been no ‘Learn Guitar With David Brent’ moment, no fourth season of Arrested Development.

Partridge at the premiere of Alpha Papa

It’s been pure entertainment from day one, and Alpha Papa looks to continue this rare tradition. The film enjoyed its premiere in Norwich today after a campaign stripped London of the pleasure, and that’s given the critics a chance to get their reviews in. They’ve not all been submitted yet, but the early ones suggest Alpha Papa is a ball.

Continue reading: The First Alpha Papa Reviews Are In – Has Alan Partridge Done It Again?

The biggest day in Norwich’s history? Maybe. The biggest moment in film history? Definitely. Alpha Papa was unleashed on the Norfolk city today, and Alan Partridge himself was clad in an incredibly strange blue suit to celebrate the occasion. "This film is my love letter to Norwich" he told the adoring fans.

Check out the pictures from the Alpha Papa premiere.

Alan Partidge basks in the glory of his film premiere

Continue reading: World Premiere Of Alan Patridge 'Alpha Papa', Norwich – In Pictures

The Conjuring, opening this weekend, gained $41.5 million. Another lower budget film beat off the likes of R.I.P.D. which, according to reports, cost more than $130 million to make.

Vera Farmiga at the premiere of Bates Motel, L.A. 

Warner Brother's haunted house horror, which stars Vera Farmiga (Bates Motel); Lili Taylor (Hemlock Grove); Patrick Wilson (Prometheus) and Ron Livingston (The Time Traveller's Wife), follows two paranormal investigators as they attempt to help The Warrens overcome a malign presence which lurks in their seemingly idyllic country house. 

Continue reading: US Box Office: The Conjuring Haunts R.I.P.D. During Its Opening Weekend

Oh we’ve had Alan Partridge TV shows, specials, books and spin-offs, but now we’re only 19 days away from the big one: a film. Alpha Papa has been talked about for months now, and this new clip – the first one to be released – has whetted a nation’s appetite.

Steve Coogan as Partridge shooting the film in Norwich

In it we see Partridge perform his patented brand of casual sexism while he talks through the film’s main plotline with the police. He’s the key negotiator in a hostage situation, and has to use all his chatting skills to overcome his biggest obstacle yet, unless you count his drink and drugs heck, which saw him drive to Dundee in bare feet.

Continue reading: Hilarious New Clip Gets Us Excited For The Alan Partridge Movie: Alpha Papa

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa could very well turn out to be the only comedy coming out this year that people need to worry about when it arrives in cinema later this year. Anticipation surrounding Steve Coogan's first big screen take on his classic comedy character is already at fever pitch, and with the announcement that the premiere will be held in the fictional character's hometown of Norwich, people are even more excited (especially people in Norwich).

They should have called it 'Colossal Velocity'

See all out behind the scenes pictures from Alpha Papa

Continue reading: Alan Partridge Movie Premiere To Be Held In Norwich After Online Campaign

Partridge – a Norwich native – frequently mentions the Norfolk city in his various shows and books, so a premiere there for his first motion picture is fitting. Rob Wilkes, who started the campaign to have the premiere in the city with his friend Rafiq Turnbull, said: "It's fantastic news. We're blown away. The people of Norwich need to embrace that. The streets need to be lined, more so than for the Lord Mayor's celebrations at the weekend. We need to bring out the red bus, perhaps, and give him a ride from City Hall down to Anglia Square."

Possible titles for the movie included 'Chap of Steel,' 'Hectic Danger Day' and of course ' Colossol Velocity'

See all our behind-the-scenes pictures from Alpha Papa

Continue reading: Alan Partridge To Arrive At Alpha Papa Norwich Premiere By Helicopter?

Despicable Me 2, the sequel to the first 2010 film, is due to be released in cinemas on Wednesday. Early critical reviews have been largely positive. Keith Uhlich of the New York Times said the franchise has improved since the last film and that it is "delights more often than it disappoints".

Steve Carell at the Despicable Me 2 premiere, L.A. 

Whilst most of the critics have enjoyed the film there are others who criticised Universal Pictures for its lack of originality. Ryan Gilbey of The Statesman said the film is "a completely redundant follow-up to the perfectly delightful 2010 original". Others have drawn comparisons with Monsters University, claiming Despicable Me 2 "has more laughs in the first 5 minutes" than Monsters managed in 90 (according to Roger Moore of McClatchy-Tribune News Service). 

Continue reading: 'Despicable Me 2': Early Reviews Round-Up

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa will see Steve Coogan's most famous comic creation take to the big screen for the first ever time and earlier this week we got our second glimpse at the long-awaited jump from Tv to movie screen from Norwich's most famous fictional son. Unlike the first trailer for Alpha Papa, which was more of a behind-the-scenes look at the think-tank who eventually came up with the title Alpha Papa (we still think Colossal Velocity was a better name), the new trailer is your typical, all-the-best-parts-of-the-movie scenario, that doesn't leave too much to the imagination, but should cause a few laughs.

The movie continues the Partridge story where the former golden boy of light-hearted chat on the Bbc is now one of the big names at North Norfolk Digital - North Norfolk's premier digital radio station - however a move by a new media conglomerate to take over the station sets in motion a series of hilarious events that see's fellow a Dj (Colm Meaney) take the station hostage, and will only use Partridge as his lackey to communicate with the police. It is up to Alan and the police to stop the violent siege for good, before things get ugly. And don't worry, Lynn and Michael are in the movie too.

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa hits cinemas 7 August 2013. The film was written by Coogan and Armando Iannucci, Neil Gibbons and Rob Gibbons (who regularly work on Partridge material together) as well as Peter Baynham and Patrick Marber. Declan Lowney is directing.

Continue reading: New Trailer For Alan Partridge Movie Goes Viral; But Does The Film Look Any Good?

We’re so excited about the upcoming Alan Partridge Movie: Alpha Papa, that we’ve actually compiled a list of our favourite bits in the trailer. The trailer, not the full film; the trailer. So without further ado, here they are (you can watch the trailer first).

“Love that noise”

Continue reading: Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa Trailer In Depth - Our Favourite Bits

Anna Friel was among the 'Look of Love' stars turning out for the movie's premiere in London last night (April 15, 2013). The actress wore a suitable seventies-style outfit to promote Michael Winterbottom's film about legendary porn mogul Paul Raymond. Friel, who plays the wife of the 'King of Soho' wore a banana yellow gown as she lined up alongside co-stars Steve Coogan and Timsin Egerton.

Anna Friel Wore A Banana Yellow Gown To The Look Of Love Premiere in Soho, London

Friel's dress, a vintage number by Trager Delaney, featured velvet and satin panels and a cut-out panel at the back. Her co-star Tamsin went for a simplistic white dress, while Coogan opted for a black suit and floral shirt. Elsewhere at The Curzon cinema in Soho, several burlesque girls added a touch of glamour to the occasion, carrying giant feathers while wearing flowers in their hair.

Continue reading: Fashion Battle: Anna Friel's Look Of Love Premiere Dress And Afterparty Gown [Pictures]

The Look Of Love is the quite extraordinary true story of British entrepreneur and smut peddler Paul Raymond (played by Steve Coogan), who made his fortune opening some of Britain's first strip clubs and financing other classically un-British pursuits to eventually become Britain's richest man. The film follow's Raymond's life in humorous fashion before leading up to the darkest parts of his life when his daughter (played by Imogen Poots) and heir to his empire died of a drugs overdose and his eventual withdrawal from public life.

The film has already been aired at film festivals across the globe and will be given general release across the UK on April 26, with the first round of reviews for the film giving a delicately mixed reception to the the tale of Raymond's life. So far the film holds an unflattering score of 56% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics largely agreeing that the performances (particularly Coogan's) and the story itself are worthy of praise, however the movie doesn't quite come together as a complete entity, with the Daily Telegraph commenting that the film is "funny and touching, but feels like a missed opportunity."

Continue reading: The Look Of Love - What Do Reviewers Have To Say About Steve Coogan's Latest Role

The big global release this week is the comedy pastiche The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, starring Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi, Jim Carrey and Alan Arkin as Las Vegas musicians in a battle between old-school illusions and street-magic stunts. Warm and funny, it's also just as silly as you think it'll be.

In between performances as Macbeth on London's West End stage, James McAvoy has been out promoting his new film Welcome to the Punch, an unusually glossy cop thriller set in East London. The film opens this weekend in the UK. Speaking to Contactmusic, he talks about how making action movies is a breeze, and why he prefers to work in Britain if he has the chance. Until a new X-men movie comes up, that is.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies:Carell, Buscemi And Carrey Get Magical, Danny Boyle Back With Ewan McGregor And A First Glimpse Of Bling Ring

The movie casting rumour mill has gone into overdrive this week when Carrie Fisher seemed to confirm that she will indeed be back for Star Wars Episode VII. And then George Lucas chimed in to say that all three stars - Fisher, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill - are on board to reprise their iconic characters 30 years after 1983's Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. Nothing is official yet, but we can probably expect a big announcement soon.

Meanwhile, Ford has joined the cast of the comedy sequel Anchorman: The Legend Continues, which is currently filming with Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd and Christina Applegate. And Halle Berry has officially rejoined the X-men for Days of Future Past, along with her original trilogy costars Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman and Anna Paquin, plus the cast of First Class.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: Star Wars Episode VII Shapes Up, Harrison Ford Joins Anchorman: The Legend Continues And Oz The Great And Powerful Hits Theatres

Good reviews have been pouring in for Steve Coogan’s turn as the King of Soho Paul Raymond in his new film The Look Of Love followings its airing at the Sundance Film Festival over the weekend. The film is another team-up between Coogan and director Michael Winterbottom, the pair most famously getting together for 2002’s 24 Hour Party People, and alongside a glut of positive acclaim, it’s been picked up by IFC Films for development.

With the success of Coogan’s The Look Of Love, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Don Jon’s Addiction, at the Sundance Film Festival, it really does seem to be the year of porn. We don’t mean that the porn industry is set to release some of the biggest grossing films this year; but with The Look Of Love focusing on the real life smut baron Paul Raymond, founder of adult UK magazines like Esquire and Mayfair, and Don Jon’s Addiction’s main character being addicted to pornography, it’s a subject that’s clearly become fashionable to take on. If those two weren’t enough, then James Franco’s Interior. Leather Bar also screened over the weekend, a movie inspired by rumors that hardcore porn footage had to be cut out of 1980 Al Pacino movie Cruising.

We could look beyond even the Sundance event too, with Paul Schrader’s Lindsay Lohan-starring The Canyons also featuring real life porn star James Deen in its own tale of sexual depravity. Though that film is without a buyer, what is clear is that Coogan’s turn as Raymond is just the tip of the iceberg: 2013 appears to be the year where film makers decide to discuss the fascination with porn.

Continue reading: 2013: The Year Of Porn? Steve Coogan's The Look Of Love Sundance Success Is The Tip Of The Iceberg

Steve Coogan’s latest movie turn as Soho porn king Paul Raymond looks to have gone down cautiously well at the Sundance Film Festival, with early reviews coming out of the annual event giving a mixture of reviews to the British actor and comic.

Coogan portrays Raymond. Born in 1925, he opened the UK’s first strip club and started making his millions off of property trading, being dubbed the King Of Soho as his influence grew. Setting up Paul Raymond Publications, he launched adult magazines including Escort and Mayfair, though he became a recluse after 1992 when his daughter died of an overdose at a stage where he was ready to hand over his business to her.

The film sees Michael Winterbottom and Steve Coogan rekindle their working relationship that, most famously, birthed 24 Hour Party People, and The Guardian say that once again it’s a successful union. “Coogan does well to steer clear of parody and understands that behind the hedonism lies a man who is always in control” their critic writes. The Independent though feel that Coogan can’t escape his most famous character Alan Partridge: “At various points, it is Alan Partridge getting luckier than he ever dreamed of with the ladies” they critique. They do however point out that the female cast members, such as Anna Friel fare a lot better, the cornerstone of them choosing to give the film three out of five. The film is set for a UK release on March 8, 2013.

Continue reading: Does Steve Coogan's Paul Raymond Escape Alan Patridge In The Look Of Love?

Olivia Colman has been nominated twice in the same category for the upcoming British Comedy Awards. The 39-year-old, perhaps best known for playing Sophie on Peep Show, is up for Best Actress for two BBC shows, Rev and Twenty Twelve.

The decision has left some comedy fans bemused, though the general consensus is that Colman has put in two excellent performances and therefore has every right to be nominated twice. She played Hugh Bonneville's character's long-suffering assistant Sally Owen in the London Olympics comedy and plays Tom Hollander's wife Alex Smallbone on religious comedy Rev. Though having two chances to win the award, Colman still faces stiff competition to land the gong, with Twenty Twelve co-star Jessica Hynes also nominated. The Thick Of It's Rebecca Front, who plays the MP Nicola Murray, is also up for Best Actress. Colman - now considered one of the UK's top actresses - has already had a superb year, winning a slew of awards for playing an abused charity shop worker in Paddy Considine's gritty drama Tyrannosaur. 

Elsewhere at the comedy awards, The Thick Of It is one of five shows to receive three nominations, along with The Graham Norton Show, Rev, Cardinal Burns and Harry Hill's TV Burp. Steve Coogan picked up a couple of nominations for Alan Partridge: Welcome To Places In My Life. This year's King or Queen of Comedy will be contested by Alan Carr, David Mitchell, Graham Norton, Jack Whitehall, Lee Mack and Sarah Millican. The award winners will be announced live on Channel 4 on Wednesday 12 December.

Continue reading: Farce, Or Fair Enough? Olivia Colman To Battle Herself At British Comedy Awards