United Kingdom, Feb. 5 -- Steve Coogan used to feel "saddled" with his comedy character Alan Partridge.

The actor/comedian shot to fame after creating the character as a parody broadcaster in the 1990s for a series of radio sketches which later transferred to TV and spawned sitcom 'I'm Alan Partridge' which led to a raft of Partridge projects in later years including three books, a stage show and the movie 'Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa' - but Coogan admits he didn't always love living in Alan's shadow.

During an appearance on the 'Dish' podcast, Coogan explained: "There was a time when I felt saddled with it. So, when I do Partridge, I do it through choice. Not because I have to. "

Coogan is currently working on another new Partridge pro...