Coogan considered for Hitler role

Producers of a new drama about the life of Hitler wanted Steve Coogan to play the Nazi dictator.

However, ITV bosses squashed the idea.

The controversial new programme, Uncle Adolf, will concentrate on Hitler's close relationship with his niece Geli Raubal,

Executive producer George Faber said the Alan Partridge creator was his first choice for the role.

"Steve Coogan was a suggestion," he told The Guardian. "There is a strong tradition of comedians playing Hitler, but [ITV drama controller] Nick Elliott didn't bite on that idea."

The programme claims Hitler was probably closer to Raubal than anyone else. She was found shot dead in Hitler's Munich apartment in 1931.

The last comedian to play Hitler was Rik Mayall, in a controversial anti-euro ad that raised the spectre of at Germany's expansionist plans.

Published: 1 Feb 2003