Coogan plans to revive duo

The comic says he has a special affection for the beer-swigging student-hater and his slapper sister, with which he made his name. He even named his production Baby Cow in their honour.

Any revival of the characters is also likely to see Coogan reunited with John Thomson, who played Calf’s sidekick Fat Bob.

The pair came up with the characters when they used to frequent the Parrswood Hotel in Didsbury, South Manchester.

He told the local Reporter newspaper: ‘It’s definitely something I’d like to do again. I’ve got a great deal of fondness for the Calfs, and, of course, it would be good to work with John again.

‘John and I would sit in the Parrswood Hotel watching some of the characters drinking in there and I hit upon the idea for Paul.

‘I’ve got a few other things in the pipeline but, if I can find the time, I’d love to come back to Manchester and bring Paul back to life.’

Coogan, who has just filmed a small role as a psychiatrist in Curb Your Enthusiasm, is currently writing a new series of Saxondale for BBC2

Published: 23 Mar 2007