By Mike Taylor,Ravi Meah
Copyright irishmirror
It was the bust-up of bust-ups. The grudge match of grudge matches. The moment where a nation’s hopes hung by the actions of two men. And in the end, a lot of hearts were broken – and most of the action took place while we were in bed.
The infamous Saipan incident of 2002 marred the Republic of Ireland’s build-up to that year’s World Cup. Captain Roy Keane was sent home from the camp after lashing out at manager Mick McCarthy over, among other things, inadequate training facilities.
The decision to kick out Roy enraged his fans back home, who demanded the FAI and Mick to reinstate him – even the then-Taoiseach Bertie Ahern got involved. Both men stood their ground and did not reconcile in time for Ireland’s World Cup opener – a dismal 1-1 draw against Cameroon.
Now 23 years on from that catastrophe, the events of that spring are being brought to the big screen and a big name is going to play Big Mick. Steve Coogan will swap Alan Partridge for a more rugged appearance when he portrays the manager, while Cork acting sensation Éanna Hardwicke plays Roy.
The film will be out in the UK on Friday (September 19), but no official Irish release date has been given. Among those who might not be keen to watch is Big Mick himself, who initially had reservations about Steve depicting him.
He told the EFL Unfiltered podcast: “I said to the producer… it began with an F and it was Friday, Friday, Saturday [spelling out an X-rated acronym]! And I said ’22 years on and you’re making a film about me?'”
Steve’s earnest performance stands worlds apart from the comedic antics he showcased as the beloved fictional Radio Norwich presenter, alongside his other memorable characters. His triumph with Alan Partridge, spanning Bafta victories to British Comedy Awards, paved the way for him to deliver additional remarkable performances.
Consider, for example, his haunting interpretation of Jimmy Savile in BBC One’s The Reckoning. There’s also his highly praised depiction of journalist Brian Walden in the political drama Brian and Maggie. And we mustn’t overlook his humorous take on Phileas Fogg in Around The World in 80 Days.
But what about his existence beyond his acting and scriptwriting? Steve has attracted headline due to his romantic liaisons with models, actresses and singers.
Musical icon romance
For example, in 2002, Steve married British socialite Caroline Hickman, though they parted ways in 2005 with Caroline stating their relationship had irretrievably broken down.
Soon after his divorce became official, he had a brief two-week fling with Courtney Love, the rock icon and widow of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain. She didn’t have such fond recollections of their liaison, though, once revealing to Love magazine: “All it was, was a couple of s**gs at the Sunset Marquis and I did not know he was Alan Partridge.”
In 2021, there was clearly no affection left as Courtney delivered a pointed jab at Steve while discussing her debut album America’s Sweetheart: “Like Steve Coogan, or crack, it’s one of my life’s great shames.”
Steve did not appear bothered by her outbursts one bit, once saying: “Some of it was true, most of it was b******s. To borrow the title of the film [2005’s A Cock and Bull Story], it was 20 per cent cock and 80 per cent bull.”
Beyond Courtney, Steve has had several high-profile romantic relationships. He was involved with actress and restaurant heiress China Chow from 2008 to 2011, model Elle Basey from 2011 to 2014, and Melanie Sykes during 2018 and 2019.
Steve’s children
Steve is dad to Clare Coogan Cole, 26, from his relationship with Anna Cole. She previously worked as a producer for children’s television company Rag Doll TV before spending three years working on campaigns for Tom Watson, former deputy leader of Britain’s Labour party.
Clare has also appeared in minor roles on several of her father’s programmes, including Saxondale, Mid Morning Matters with Alan Partridge, and The Alan Partridge podcast.
Fast cars and fancy homes
Steve is thought to live in the picturesque village of Barcombe in the south of England. The delightful community sits serenely within the South Downs, well away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
He’s also gained a reputation for his love of cars, evolving into quite the motornthusiast over time. His estate, complete with a swimming pool and tennis court, is believed to have plenty of space for his car collection, including a fleet of Ferraris.
Before Barcombe, Steve lived in Ovingdean Grange, a magnificent property on the outskirts of Brighton. The country mansion has two main claims to fame: it was not only Steve’s previous residence, but it also played a significant role in a novel.
The book, named Ovingdean Grange: A Tale Of The South Downs, was penned by William Harrison Ainsworth, a close friend of Charles Dickens, back in 1857.
Steve forked out £2.45m (€2.82m) for the Grade II* listed property in 2011, and called it home for six years before listing it for sale at £3.5m (€4m). The three-storey, six-bedroom giant comes with a courtyard garden, a cinema room, and a billiard room.
Saipan is out in the UK on September 19
