Steve Coogan's business partner returns to performing

Comedy producer Henry Normal is to leave Baby Cow, the company he founded with Steve Coogan 17 years ago.

The company has been responsible for a number of hit shows, including Gavin and Stacey, The Mighty Boosh, Moone Boy, The Trip, Mid Morning Matters, Nighty Night and Uncle.

It has also made Coogan's films Alpha Papa and Oscar-nominated Philomena.

Normal said he was leaving the company, of which he is chief executive, to 'to pursue creative endeavours in other fields'.

He has recently returned to performing poetry, which is how he began his comedy career. Radio 4 has commissioned a show based on his live performances, A Normal Family, about his 'mildly severely' autistic son, Johnny, and Normal will be performing at the Latitude Festival in July. 

Baby Cow is part-owned by BBC Worldwide, which will increase its stake from 25 per cent to 73 per cent on Normal's departure, although the financial details of the buy-out have not been disclosed. 

Normal said: 'After sixteen and a half years I’ve decided to take a long overdue break from TV and film production to pursue creative endeavours in other fields. I’m very proud to have been part of a company that has nurtured young talent, sought out originality and produced quality award-winning shows year after year. 

'Steve has such a great team around him and with further support from BBC Worldwide, I know Baby Cow will achieve even greater success in the years to come.'

Coogan will be taking creative control of the company until a new chief executive is appointed, while Normal will be retained as a  consultant for the next 12 months.

The Alan Partridge creator paid tribute to his business partner, saying: 'Henry has devoted himself brilliantly to the company over the years and deserves to pursue more personal projects. I salute him. He leaves behind a passionate team with great taste and the company he co-founded is in a strong place to grow.'

Baby Cow was named after one of Coogan's earliest creations, the student-hating Paul Calf.

Published: 7 Apr 2016