The 5-minute Interview: Alexander Armstrong, Comedian and presenter

'I would like teachers and vicars to be paid as much as lawyers'

Alexander Armstrong, 37, is a British comedian and regularly appears on BBC's 'Have I Got News For You', Channel 4's 'Best of the Worst' and BBC Radio 4's 'Weak at The Top'. He presents a new series 'Don't Call Me Stupid' on ITV beginning tonight at 10pm.

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

Playing with Rex, my four-month-old son, and watching the cricket. I'm a very early riser so I look after him in the morning while my wife sleeps.

A phrase I use far too often...

Shall we get another bottle?

I wish people would take more notice of...

Those doing a bad job. It makes me cross that no one takes great pride in doing a good job. It's so rare to find someone who really loves their trade.

The most surprising thing that happened to me was...

My wife would probably say the time a moth flew out of my dressing gown, but it was probably when I found out that I'd been cast for Have I Got News for You.

A common misperception of me is...

That I'm good at tennis. People actually often get me right – I'm a slightly irritating enthusiast.

I am not a politician but...

I would slap a tax on plastic to encourage people to use more biodegradable things. I would also like teachers, vicars and other community workers to be paid as much as lawyers.

I'm good at...

Laying the table.

I'm very bad at...

Tennis. I once started tennis lessons and turned some poor man grey overnight. Now I feign injuries when I'm asked for a game.

The ideal night out is...

Going out for supper or having a dinner party with close friends. I love food and wine, they are both passions of mine.

You know me as a presenter but I'd have been...

A professional classical singer. It was my background but I let it slip.

In moments of weakness...

I go for a long walk. Walking forces your mind to think. I occasionally have a cigar but very rarely.

The best age to be is...

32. I met my wife and it was a lovely year.

Claire Daly