Veteran television presenter Sue Cook has spoken publicly about her long-standing association with the fictional character Alan Partridge, created by comedian Steve Coogan. For years, Cook was the frequent subject of a recurring joke on Coogan’s spoof sitcom “I’m Alan Partridge,” which featured the line “Sue Cook’s pulled out” whenever the character suggested she had canceled plans with him.

Cook, 77, described the experience as somewhat frustrating, noting how the repeated references led some people to incorrectly assume she was habitually unreliable. Speaking on The Peter Purves Podcast, she explained that while initially perplexing, she eventually became accustomed to the mentions. Her children, Megan and Charlie, reportedly found the connection “cool” upon recognizing their mother’s name featured on a popular comedy show, despite her generally keeping her professional life separate from family.

The joke played off Cook’s respected and “squeaky-clean” television persona. She gained widespread recognition during the 1980s and early 1990s as a co-host of the BBC’s long-running program Crimewatch for more than 11 years, in addition to presenting other BBC shows such as Breakfast Time and Children in Need.

Cook also reflected on the varied reactions from her family, recounting that her mother was particularly taken aback by another Alan Partridge line referencing smoking, unaware that Cook had actually quit years earlier. Regarding Coogan’s apparent fixation with her, Cook called it “bizarre” and somewhat speculative. She noted that Coogan had even sent her a copy of one of his books where she is mentioned multiple times, although she had not yet fully read it.

The character Alan Partridge first referenced Cook when displaying a promotional board for “An afternoon with Alan Partridge with Sue Cook.” When a fictional phone call from “Sue” canceled the event, Partridge told the audience that “Sue Cook has pulled out,” prompting some attendees to leave. Coogan’s character revived this made-up relationship while promoting “Alpha Papa – The Alan Partridge Movie” in 2013, humorously describing Cook as a “straight-talker” who could be intimidating but well-meaning.

More recently, in the 2023 publication “Beacon,” presented as Partridge’s memoir, the character claims to have “developed incredibly strong feelings towards” Cook, continuing the comedic narrative of their unusual association.

Reflecting on her career, Cook also commented on the broader television landscape, noting how women were relatively uncommon on British TV when she began and expressing doubts about her prospects in the current environment. “I’m female, I’m well-spoken... I’m white-skinned, middle-class. I’m all the things you shouldn’t be,” she said, suggesting the changing dynamics of the industry may have made her style less welcome today.