Baby Cow Productions, co-founded by actor and comedian Steve Coogan, has announced a return to profitability ahead of a settlement related to a High Court defamation claim. The production company reported a pre-tax profit of £358,628 for the financial year ending March 31, 2025, following a pre-tax loss of £374,081 in the previous year. This significant turnaround is accompanied by a rise in revenue, which increased from £1.9 million to £2.6 million during the same period.
Founded in 1999, Baby Cow Productions has established itself as a key player in British television and film, producing popular series such as *Gavin & Stacey*, *The Trip*, and *Alan Partridge*. While the company is now majority-owned by BBC Studios, Coogan retains a minority stake, maintaining his influence in the creative direction of the company.
Settlement Over Defamation Claim
The financial report comes in the wake of a settlement involving a defamation claim linked to the film *The Lost King*, which chronicles the discovery of the remains of King Richard III. The film’s portrayal of Richard Taylor, a university worker who claimed the film depicted him in a defamatory light, prompted legal action. Taylor argued that the film made him appear “misogynistic” and “weasel-like.”
In October 2025, it was confirmed that Taylor settled with Coogan, Baby Cow Productions, and Pathe Productions, receiving a sum described as “substantial damages.” The settlement stipulates that the film will include a message at its beginning to address the concerns raised, and the contentious comments will not be repeated in future screenings.
The story of *The Lost King* centers on the 2012 search for Richard III’s burial site beneath a council car park in Leicester. Taylor, who was the deputy registrar at the University of Leicester at the time, was portrayed by actor Lee Ingleby in the film.
This legal resolution not only marks a significant moment for Taylor but also highlights the potential ramifications of creative portrayals in film and television, especially when they intersect with real-life individuals and their reputations.
As Baby Cow Productions moves forward from this legal challenge, the company’s financial recovery indicates a promising trajectory in the competitive landscape of the entertainment industry. The increase in revenue and return to profit suggests that the company remains a vital force in the production of innovative content.
