Steve Coogan recently shared that he’s going to be a grandfather. The actor and comedian also discussed his difficult history with cocaine use and what he’s learned from past relationships that didn’t work out.
Steve Coogan, known for playing Alan Partridge, shared some joyful news on Tuesday. Despite not having much luck with romance, he says his family is his greatest source of happiness.
He admitted his romantic life hasn’t always gone as planned, discussing a past marriage on The Louis Theroux Podcast. He finds a lot of joy in his family – he has a stepson, a daughter, and is excited to become a grandfather soon.
‘Having those relationships in my life are the most important relationships in my life.’
Steve’s daughter, 29-year-old Clare, who lives in London and works as a chef, is expecting a baby. Clare’s mother is Steve’s former partner, Anna Cole, a lawyer.
Clare has been in a relationship for a while with Jamie Demetriou, the 37-year-old actor who won a BAFTA and starred alongside Phoebe Waller-Bridge in Fleabag.
Steve has often said that becoming a father helped him stay balanced throughout his long career in comedy and acting. He’s described fatherhood as the most important relationship in his life and shared that his daughter provided support during challenging times.
The actor, known for his role in ‘Philomena’ and raised in Middleton, near Manchester, with five siblings, shared on a podcast that early fame disrupted his life. This led to a period of intense relationships and a wild social life.
He was married to British socialite Caroline Hickman in 2002 for three years.
He has previously dated several well-known women, including models China Chow and Loretta Basey, singer Courtney Love, actress Daisy Lewis from Downton Abbey, and TV personality Melanie Sykes.
Steve reflected: ‘Certainly in my 20s and 30s, I had what I would call delayed adolescence.
After my initial success, I mistakenly believed I could do anything I wanted. I used to be quite shy around women.
I remember a time when everything clicked – I felt really confident and suddenly had a great social life. But it didn’t last. I kind of lost my way, and without a stable job, I didn’t have anyone to keep me grounded or answer to. It was a tough time.
The actor openly discussed his past struggles with substance abuse, admitting that cocaine was the drug he used most during that time.
‘It’s the instant gratification’, he explained.
When you engage in self-destructive behavior, it creates difficulties in all areas of life. Even minor issues can feel overwhelming because your thinking isn’t clear or working as it should – you’re not fully able to function effectively.
As you gradually distance yourself from something troubling, the weight of it begins to lift, and you realize it wasn’t worth the worry. That’s the realization you come to.
The real benefit is that you learn a lot along the way, such as how to handle multiple tasks and challenges simultaneously.
Honestly, seeing him talk about this just *gets* me. He says when you stop drinking and using, everything changes. Your relationships actually become real and, like, *good*. The absolute worst part, he explained, is all the lying you have to do to hide it. But when that’s gone? He described it as this incredible weight just lifting off your shoulders. It’s not instant, though. He said you basically have to *learn* how to live again, which is just…powerful. It’s like a total rebirth, and I’m completely captivated by it.
Oh my god, it’s so crazy. Even years after I got sober, I’d be driving and suddenly see flashing lights behind me. My heart would just *leap* into my throat, and I’d instantly think, ‘Oh no, did I slip up? Have I had too much?’ Then it would hit me – no, I *don’t* drink anymore. I’d completely forgotten that was even a worry, it was just… built into me for so long, that fear. It’s weird how your brain plays tricks on you, honestly.
He explained that staying sober simply felt more manageable. He noted that as you get older, it becomes difficult to fully enjoy both a night out and feel good the next day, and he personally prioritizes feeling good in the morning – it’s worth it to him.
He explained that he’d been sober for about eleven years, but had a brief relapse with alcohol, which he then stopped again. He wasn’t out of control, but he admitted getting close to it before deciding to quit for good. He finds staying sober is actually quite easy – you don’t have to worry about things like driving after drinking, and life just becomes simpler.
The actor and director shared that he’s currently dating someone, but he didn’t say who his new partner is.
He explained that as men age, it’s common for their sex drive to naturally decrease, and their preferences can also shift.
Things can work out when you really need them to. It’s just… well, it’s like the saying about being stuck with someone frustrating – I’ve moved past that point.
He explained that he’s been enjoying staying home with his girlfriend lately. He prefers relaxing in the evenings – having dinner and watching TV – rather than going out.
My girlfriend recently asked if I’d ever seen the TV show ‘Foyle’s War.’ We were visiting Sussex – a place where a friend of mine lives – and she remarked that the area felt just like the show. I was confused, but she’s a really big fan of ‘Foyle’s War,’ so I guess she saw some similarities in the atmosphere.
I absolutely loved that show! It was a police drama set on the south coast, right near Eastbourne – in fact, they filmed it there! It always aired on Sunday evenings and followed a detective working through cases during the war. It really captured a specific mood and place, and I was completely hooked.
This is a comforting and low-stakes Sunday evening drama. The world it portrays is generally pleasant, with only occasional, minor villainy. I’ve found myself appreciating this kind of show in a way I wouldn’t have when I was younger.
I often think, ‘Let’s just stay in and watch Foyle’s War.’ The world can be awful, and it’s comforting to escape into something pleasant.
He added: ‘I would rather watch Foyle’s War than have a line of cocaine.’
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2025-10-07 15:49