Steve Coogan has insisted that his popular character of Alan Partridge isn't based on any broadcaster.
Mid-Morning Matters presenter Partridge was previously rumoured to have been inspired by the likes of Richard Madeley, Tony Blackburn and ITN newsreader-come-Police Camera Action! host Alastair Stewart.
However, appearing at a launch for Partridge's new Sky Atlantic show, Coogan told journalists: "He wasn't based on anyone. He really isn't.
"The Richard Madeley thing, bizarrely, I actually think things he says are too ridiculous for Alan. He's almost like old-school Alan. I find him quite fascinating, but he's not the basis for it. He does say things that are quite Alan-like."
Delving into the character's personality, writer Armando Iannucci commented: "Alan has always had the on-air confidence, but inner crisis of confidence.
"He is up against genuine journalists and presenters who look down on him. He has always wanted to move into warmer directions and obviously he has this love/hate relationship with people from London."
Alan Partridge: Welcome to the Places of My Life airs on Sky Atlantic on Monday, June 25.