Renowned comedian and actor Steve Coogan has officially obtained Irish citizenship and opened up about his complex relationship with British identity. The star, famous for his portrayal of Alan Partridge, made the revelations during a promotional event for his new film.
A New Passport and a Personal History
Steve Coogan, 60, confirmed he is now a holder of an Irish passport, a right he qualified for through his family heritage. His mother originally moved to Britain from County Mayo, while his father's parents were also Irish. The Manchester-born performer joked about one practical advantage, stating, "I always think if I get captured by Isis, I'm less likely to get my head chopped off with an Irish passport than a British one."
On a more serious note, Coogan described a lifelong sense of connection to Ireland, referring to himself as part of the Irish diaspora. He shared that summers spent in Ireland led locals to ask him, "When are you coming home?" despite his English birthplace.
'Antipathy' Towards the Union Jack
In a candid moment, Coogan expressed a nuanced view towards the British flag. "I've always felt that I have a slight antipathy towards the British flag I've been raised with," he admitted. He was quick to clarify this was not contempt, but rather a desire to hold the Establishment at arm's length due to historical context.
He linked these feelings to growing up during The Troubles, an era marked by suspicion towards the Irish community in Britain. "I was aware of it all," he said, referencing the politics of colonisation, the Nationalist movement, and civil liberties struggles.
Starring Role in 'Saipan'
Coogan's comments came during a Q&A screening for his new film, 'Saipan', in London. In the movie, he takes on the role of former Republic of Ireland football manager Mick McCarthy. The film dramatises the explosive fallout between McCarthy and star player Roy Keane during the 2002 World Cup in Japan, a pivotal moment in Irish sporting history.
The event, held at Picturehouse Central on January 18, provided the platform for Coogan's personal reflections, intertwining his own heritage with the narrative of the film.
In other UK entertainment news:
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Jockey Rachael Blackmore predicted that the younger royals—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—will likely be drawn to horse racing as they grow older, citing the allure of events like the Cheltenham Festival.
Meanwhile, Luciano Pierre White, 32-year-old son of chef Marco Pierre White, has announced his engagement to fashion CEO Stephanie Beard, 35, founder of Silked London. This follows a difficult period for the family, including the closure of Luciano's restaurant and his brother's imprisonment.
Finally, rock legend Pete Townshend, 80, claimed that it is "tougher to be a young man than a young woman" today, arguing that male emotions are often hidden and undervalued.
