Supermodel David Gandy has launched a surprising critique of one of children's television's most beloved characters during a recent appearance on BBC's flagship politics programme.
Unexpected Target on Sunday Politics Show
During an interview about modern masculinity on BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, the fashion icon turned his attention to Peppa Pig's father figure, arguing that the character perpetuates damaging stereotypes about fathers. The discussion occurred on November 30, 2025, during a segment exploring how men are portrayed across media, film and television.
Gandy appeared on the Sunday morning politics programme to discuss his campaigning work with the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) on issues affecting men and boys. While controversial figures like Andrew Tate were mentioned during the conversation, it was the cartoon pig who unexpectedly found himself in the firing line.
Long-Standing Concerns About Cartoon Character
This isn't the first time Gandy has expressed concerns about the popular children's character. He had previously discussed the cartoon's flaws with The Times and elaborated on his frustrations in the CSJ's publication Men in Culture.
When Kuenssberg questioned him about his apparent 'beef with Peppa Pig's dad', Gandy responded directly: 'Peppa Pig is an example from a man's point of view - you're saying well actually, why are we, why are my children reading this book and the dad is a useless fool.'
The criticism focuses on how Daddy Pig is frequently referred to as 'silly daddy' throughout the much-loved children's show, often making mistakes that Mummy Pig wouldn't and generally being portrayed as less competent.
Modern Fatherhood and Changing Roles
The 45-year-old model, who has two children with his wife, barrister Stephanie Mendoros, didn't stop at criticising the cartoon character. He went on to discuss his own role as a father and the evolving nature of modern masculinity.
'People look at me and they say: "When we look at you, you seem to define masculinity,"' Gandy explained. 'And then I say: "How?" And they say "well the fact you're into your classic cars, your suits, your watches, you're a skier, you're this big figure". And I say: "Well yes but also I do the washing, I do the cleaning, I do the school run."'
He emphasised how parental roles have transformed in recent generations: 'Our roles have changed; we are the first generation my age where we're seeing the dads who have had to take on a different role. My wife's a barrister, I certainly wouldn't mess with her.'
When Kuenssberg jokingly asked 'Who is in charge in the Gandy household?', the model replied with humour: 'That's an argument we'll have this evening.'
The discussion formed part of Gandy's support for the Centre for Social Justice's Lost Boys campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the challenges facing boys and young men in contemporary society.
Metro has approached both Penguin, publishers of the Peppa Pig books, and Hasbro, owners of the franchise, for comment regarding Gandy's criticisms.
