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
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