Partridge may head for the movies

Steve Coogan is hoping to revive Alan Partridge for a big-budget Hollywood movie.

He had promised to retire the character after his 2002 TV series, but now it has stirred the interest of film studios.

The plot of any movie would see the inept chat show host trying to make it in America.

Comic actors Ben Stiller, Matthew Perry and Jack Black have reportedly expressed an interest in appearing in the film. 

Coogan said: ""There's nothing written down yet but I'd be over the moon if the decision is made to go ahead."           

His star is on the rise in the States, where has just starred in his first Hollywood movie: Around the World in 80 Days. It was widely slated, but critics generally agreed that Coogan acquitted himself well.

He said: "It's weird but in certain industry circles there's a little cult going on about my work.           

"They pass my DVDs around which makes me sound very hip indeed. It's like that Paris Hilton video, only less smutty."

Published: 29 Jul 2004