Mr Coogan, 53, told Crawley Magistrates’ Court that a six-month driving ban would force him to cancel a new series because Alan Partridge doesn’t use public transport, The Times reports.

The actor had been caught driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone, which carries three penalty points – putting him over the threshold for a six-month ban under the “totting up” process.

However, magistrate Ann Schroder took account of the 15 to 20 professionals who would face “exceptional hardship” if the TV show was cancelled.

Mr Coogan was given a two-month ban, ending before shooting of his new show starts in October, as well as a £750 fine with £85 court costs and a £75 victim surcharge.