Coogan started out as a stand-up comic and mimic, as well as doing voice over work for adverts and impressions on Spitting Image. He also acted on the observation round on The Krypton Factor. He teamed up with Chris Morris and Armando Iannucci, amongst others, on the Radio 4 comedy show On The Hour, where he helped give birth to his most famous creation Alan Partridge. Alan went on to have his own radio show and also appeared on TV in The Day Today and his own chat show, Knowing Me, Knowing You. In 1997 he bounced back with the sitcom I'm Alan Partridge, which was followed by a second series in 2002. He also played Anthony Wilson in the UK film 24 Hour Party People.