Britain's highest-paid male model, David Gandy, has publicly criticised the popular children's television character Daddy Pig from Peppa Pig, labelling him a 'useless fool' who promotes a damaging narrative about men and fatherhood.
A Modern Father's Frustration
Gandy, who shares two young daughters, Matilda and Tabitha, with his barrister partner Stephanie Mendoros, expressed his concerns during an interview on BBC's Sunday morning programme with Laura Kuenssberg. He argued that the long-running animated series sets a poor example for children regarding gender roles, as it consistently portrays Daddy Pig as incompetent, leaving Mummy Pig to handle everything.
The supermodel, 45, revealed that he actively subverts these stereotypes at home, taking on responsibilities such as the washing, cleaning, and the school run. He emphasised that men of his generation are embracing a 'different role' and that there is a desperate need for more positive examples of this modern masculinity in film and television.
Redefining Masculinity in the Spotlight
Gandy addressed the perception of his own public image, noting that people often associate his classic cars, suits, and skiing with defining masculinity. 'I say "well yes but also I do the washing, I do the cleaning, I do the school run"', he countered, illustrating his broader definition of what it means to be a man today.
He further elaborated on the societal shift, stating, 'Our roles have changed; we are the first generation my age where we're seeing the dads who have to take on a different role.' A key issue for Gandy is the lack of narratives about 'good men', which he believes leaves a void that can be filled by negative influences.
The Broader Cultural Impact
The model also linked his critique of children's programming to wider concerning trends, specifically mentioning the negative impact of influential figures like Andrew Tate on 'vulnerable men'. Gandy described Tate's messaging as pushing a 'very extreme form of masculinity' and reiterated the need for more examples of 'good, kind men'.
This is not the first time Gandy has voiced unease about Daddy Pig's character. He has previously noted the stark contrast between the often incompetent father and the capable mother, a dynamic underscored by the frequent use of the phrase 'silly daddy' by Peppa and her brother George throughout the globally popular show.
Gandy rose to fame after winning a modelling competition on ITV's This Morning in 2001 and became a household name following his iconic appearance in a Dolce & Gabbana advert in 2007.
