(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Steve Coogan thinks it is dangerous to try to be too likeable on TV.

The comedian believes people who appear to be playing up for the cameras are often unappealing to viewers.

The actor, who is promoting his new film The Trip, insists that trying too hard makes an entertainer unattractive.

"I think there's a danger in wanting to be liked on camera," Steve told newspaper The LA Times. "It can be unattractive, perversely, paradoxically, and even doing things you know are going to be unsympathetic you don't look like you're trying to govern the way you're coming across um makes you more likable."

The 45-year-old, who is best known for his role as comedy character Alan Partridge, also revealed the most difficult part of shooting the new film, which has been directed by Michael Winterbottom.

The Trip is the movie adaption of the BAFTA-winning six-part TV series based loosely around the idea that Coogan is commissioned to review a number of high-end restaurants in the British Lake District. He is accompanied by real life friend and fellow comedian Rob Brydon, and the pair's musings provide much comical entertainment.

"The hardest thing of all in terms of the acting is when they put the plate down in front of you, full of food, and you have to do what is totally counterintuitive, which is go, 'Hmmm, oh, that looks lovely.' And you've just eaten it twice," Coogan said.

Talking about the memories of making the film, the comedian joked he will struggle to tell apart reality and filming in old age.

He laughed he and Rob will think the movie was a real holiday when they lose their memories.

"There's a part of it that looks like watching a photo album or a holiday video," he said. "I think when I'm old and senile, I'll think that was a genuine trip and be quite happy with it."

"And you'll say, 'Rob did a very good job on the camcorder!'" Brydon quipped. (C) Cover Media