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Fate of Steve Coogan’s hit TV series revealed as actor swerves driving ban
It comes after Channel 4 axed the actor's comedy series last year
THE future of Steve Coogan's hit TV series has been revealed after the actor swerved a driving ban.
The actor and comedian was hauled in front of a judge after being caught speeding on the M6 last year.
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But in an attempt to avoid getting disqualified from driving, Steve penned a letter to the court, pleading to keep his license.
According to the , the 59-year-old said in the document he needed to be able drive to film a new series of The Trip.
The publication quotes Steve telling Birmingham Magistrates Court: “I have a series of important film commitments scheduled for 2025, many of which involve driving as a central component of the work."
He continued: “I am due to appear in a well-established TV series called ‘The Trip’ (with Rob Brydon) which as the title suggests requires me to drive.
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"This starts filming towards the end of June 2025 and if I were unable to drive, the production would likely be unable to proceed.”
The BBC comedy series first launched in 2010 on BBC Two before moving to Sky and features pals Steve and Rob on their travels abroad.
It sees them play exaggerated versions of themselves as they travel by car reviewing restaurants.
24 episodes have been produced so far over four series, though The Trip to Greece in 2020 was thought to be the final instalment.
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Both stars have publicly expressed the desire to film a new series, with locations in Ireland, Wales and the US reportedly considered.
Steve Coogan dealt brutal blow by Channel 4 as comedy series dropped after just one season
Last year Steve's Channel 4 comedy-drama Chilvary was axed after just one series.
However, a second series was said to be in the pipeline, though Steve and show star Sarah Solemani were looking for a new home for the show.
Best BBC comedies
A BBC boss called on the industry to "save our sitcoms", but the corporation has a history of fantastic shows.
We look back at some of the best to ever grace the screen.
Fawlty Towers (1975-1979) - Only two series were made of the beloved institution. However, the cultural impact of the series starring John Cleese and Connie Booth spans decades. It follows rude and intolerant Basil Fawlty (Cleese) as he attempts to improve the reputation of his hotel.
Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003) - The show was crowned by some as the best British sitcom of all time by a TV poll in 2004. Seven series were broadcast on BBC until 1991 with additional sporadic Christmas specials airing until 2003. Sir David Jason starred as ambitious market trader Derek "Del Boy" Trotter whilst Nicholas Lyndhurst played his younger half-brother Rodney. Set in working-class Peckham in south-east London, it follows the highs and lows of the lives of the Trotters', in particular their brazen attempts to get rich.
Blackadder (1983 - 1989) - Four series were made of the iconic show, created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson. Each series spans a different historical period as anti-hero Edmund Blackadder (Atkinson) tries to better himself in each society. Accompanied by his dogsbody Baldrick (Tony Robinson), trouble always ensues. A TV poll in 2004 found that Blackadder was voted the second-best British sitcom of all time
Absolutely Fabulous (1992 - 2012) - Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley star as failing PR guru Edina 'Eddie' Monsoon and alcoholic fashionista Patsy Stone. The pair embark on heavy-drinking sessions and abuse drugs in a desperate attempt to stay 'hip'. Eddie constantly chases bizarre fads and fails to lose weight whilst her disappointed and neglected daughter Saffy (Julia Sawalha) looks on.
Little Britain (2003 - 2006) - The premise is simple. A sketch show which features different British people from all walks of life that are engaged in all sorts of comical scenarios. Starring Matt Lucas and David Walliams, the pair created iconic pop culture characters. Viewers loved obnoxious council estate teenager Vicky Pollard, morbidly obese scrounger Bubbles Devere, slimming coach Marjorie Dawes, despondent office worker Carol Beer, disgraced politician Sir Norman Fry, of course the iconic Lou and Andy!
The Catherine Tate Show (2004-2015) - A sketch show starring the likes of Catherine Tate. She made iconic characters such as rowdy schoolgirl Lauren Cooper with her line 'Am I bovvered?'. Other characters featured Bernie the nurse, the aga saga woman, complaining couple Janice and Ray, and of course her infamous 'Nan', Joannie Taylor. The last character herself spawned multiple specials and even a movie.
Gavin and Stacey (2007 - Present) The series tells the story of Gavin (Matthew Horne) and Stacey (Joanna Page). The pair embarked on an online and telephone romance for six months. But when they finally decide to be together properly, their friends and family get in the way. Ruth Jones and James Corden created the beloved show, which has been going for over a decade. The 2019 Christmas special was the most-watched comedy in 17 years and the most-viewed non-sporting event in a decade.
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