Alexander Armstrong Reveals His Top 'Dad Mode' Moments in London
Presenter Alexander Armstrong has opened up about his favourite 'dad mode' experiences, including talking his son through cooking mince at university and handling emergency passport renewals. The 55-year-old father of four boys, aged 11 to 19, expects to be assisting his children well into his nineties, from DIY tasks to car fixes.
Embracing the Dad Stereotype
Armstrong admits to falling firmly into the dad stereotype, preferring paper copies over digital reliance. He obsesses over ensuring his kids have physical copies of everything from gig tickets to boarding passes, citing a distrust of mobile phones. Married to Hannah Armstrong, the couple raises their family in a quiet Gloucestershire village, where he prioritises being 'dad' over his celebrity status as the face of BBC's Pointless.
Research by HP supports this, revealing that 68% of parents anticipate their children will continue calling for help throughout their lives. A survey of 2,000 adults, including 60% parents, found that those with adult children welcome such calls during mini-crises, feeling useful or needed. Common requests include help with lockouts, car breakdowns, lifts, and emotional support during breakups.
HP's Rapid Response Print Squad Initiative
Armstrong's comments coincide with HP's research into emergency printing needs. The study found that only 20% of respondents have a printer on hand for last-minute documents, with 22% having forgotten to print important items like return labels, medical forms, or CVs. Half of those surveyed would panic if unable to print something critical, and 35% would ask their parents for help.
In response, Armstrong partnered with HP to launch the Rapid Response Print Squad in London, testing his 'dad skills' by helping people caught out by emergency print jobs. He stated, "You wouldn't be a real dad if you weren't storming around with a printed boarding pass in your hand." He emphasised printing things 'just in case,' from booking confirmations to insurance documents.
Family First and Future Expectations
Armstrong highlighted that family comes first, with his wife handling forward planning while he tackles hands-on issues. He thrives in 'dad mode,' whether it's ensuring phone charging at festivals or providing questionable DIY advice. He added, "I'll be knocking up shelves in their homes, pretending I can fix cars, well into my 90s."
A spokesperson for HP, promoting their Smart Tank printers that last up to three years without refills, noted, "This research shows how printing ties to key life moments, yet many lack reliable access. Alexander's reliability as a dad mirrors the need for dependable printing solutions." The initiative aims to reflect that same sense of reliability in everyday emergencies.
