Until yesterday, Alexander Armstrong was just the ubiquitous man on TV. Then in one article in the Torygraph, where he moans about VAT on private school fees and increasing the taxes on millionaire farmers, he throws his toys out of his luxury pram.
The following introduces Mr Ubiquitous and then reveals the response on social media to his claims of poverty and the hard life of being a millionaire.
Who is Alexander Armstrong?
Alexander Armstrong, a household name in British entertainment, is celebrated for his versatility as a television presenter, comedian, actor, and singer. With a career spanning over two decades, Armstrong has become a very familiar face on British screens, known for his wit, charm, and effortless ability to connect with audiences. But behind his success lies a fascinating background that has shaped his multifaceted career.
Born on 2 March 1970 in Rothbury, Northumberland, Alexander Henry Fenwick Armstrong grew up in a family with a strong connection to the arts. His father, Henry Angus Armstrong, was a prominent landowner and businessman, while his mother, Mary Elizabeth (née Robins), came from a family with a rich artistic heritage. This creative environment undoubtedly influenced Armstrong’s early interest in performance and entertainment.
Armstrong’s education played a significant role in nurturing his talents. He attended Mowden Hall School, a preparatory school in Northumberland, before moving on to St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh. His passion for music and performance continued to flourish during his time at Durham School, where he was a chorister. Later, he studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he read English Literature. It was at Cambridge that Armstrong became heavily involved in the renowned Footlights Dramatic Club, a breeding ground for many of Britain’s most famous comedians and actors. This experience proved pivotal, as it was here that he honed his comedic skills and formed lasting creative partnerships.
After university, Armstrong began his career in comedy, teaming up with Ben Miller to form the comedy duo Armstrong and Miller. The pair quickly gained recognition for their sharp wit and clever sketches, which often parodied British culture and society. Their success led to their own television series, The Armstrong & Miller Show, which ran from 1997 to 2001 and was later revived in 2007. The show earned them a BAFTA award in 2010, cementing their status as one of Britain’s most beloved comedy acts.
While comedy remained a cornerstone of his career, Armstrong’s talents extended beyond the stage. He ventured into acting, appearing in popular television series such as Life Begins and Mutual Friends, as well as lending his voice to animated shows like The Adventures of Abney & Teal. His distinctive baritone voice also made him a sought-after narrator and voice artist, contributing to documentaries, commercials, and audiobooks.
In 2011, Armstrong took on a new role as the host of the ITV game show Pointless, alongside his co-presenter Richard Osman. The show became a huge success, praised for its unique format and the chemistry between the two presenters. Armstrong’s affable and approachable style made him a natural fit for the role, and Pointless remains one of the most popular quiz shows on British television.
Beyond his work in comedy and presenting, Armstrong is also an accomplished singer. He has released several classical music albums, showcasing his rich baritone voice and love for traditional songs. His musical talents have led to performances at prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, and collaborations with renowned orchestras.
Then Armstrong Went All Woe Is Me
Starting with the Torygraph interview and then the socail media responses.
"He couldn't survive in the state system."
— Ben (@ThatMetalNessie) March 7, 2025
Plenty of children with educational needs have no choice but to go to state school. This is an overexaggeration to try and gain sympathy, and imo, an insult to teachers and TAs who work exceptionally hard to accommodate these children. pic.twitter.com/owJx6mczhv
I always liked Alexander Armstrong. To see him whining in the Torygraph about private school VAT makes me like him a lot less. Net worth in the millions and he says he is ‘poor now’. pic.twitter.com/QjBt3iFDRd
— Dr. Steve 🏳️🌈🪴🐟 (@Binky_2301) March 7, 2025
Alexander Armstrong, the star of the BBC show Pointless, earned £1.1 millionfor a recent season of the show. This was based on a fee of £20,000 per episode, and seasons of the show have recently had 55 episodes. ‘Extremely poor’.
— OldishBird (@oldishbird1) March 6, 2025
Alexander Henry Fenwick Armstrong is descended from a North East landowning family. On top of his BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Dave incomes, he's also had two top 10 albums and done advertising work. I'm not sure he can claim to be "extremely poor". He just doesn't like paying tax.
— Andrew Acum 🎗 (@AndrewAcum) March 7, 2025
Alexander Armstrong
— ClareT with Ukraine heart and soul 💪 (@ClareTa97789912) March 7, 2025
You should be deeply ashamed of this statement
You insult those who are truly very poor
What a pointless remark https://t.co/lxhpDIeQDu
Never could stand Alexander Armstrong and avoid everything he's on like the plague. The old gut never lets me down. Poor, my arse.#multimillionairedelusions https://t.co/VbqGRmQwr6
— ange garrod 🕷 #rejoinEU (@angegarrod) March 7, 2025
you wouldn’t realise listening Alexander Armstrong that he was a massive tory cunt 😎
— Vinny (@northern_uproar) March 7, 2025
Alexander Armstrong is a massive terf. Not all sweetness and light, as you might think. pic.twitter.com/XU4r7mDEtF
— India Willoughby (@IndiaWilloughby) March 7, 2025
Just feeling sorry for Alexander Armstrong, hardly off tv, radio and now a successful author and so hard up can't pay his 4 children's private school fees and as for that inheritance tax on farms his blood nearly boiled. Tough being famous
— Jeremy Stanton (@JStanton28514) March 7, 2025
If Alexander Armstrong talked about how "poor" he was in front of me I'd clock him one. https://t.co/D1fQDLIBWU
— Splodgehappy 🐣♤🐳 (@Splodgehappy) March 7, 2025
Dear Alexander Armstrong – please define 'extremely poor'. Are you using food banks, or without heating? Or just measuring yourself by the standards of your family's over privileged background? https://t.co/Bh41CRB2tN
— Theresa Musgrove (@BrokenBarnet) March 7, 2025
And on and on they go. From hero to zero in one article for the many.
Stick to comedy and not politics is my suggestion Mr Ubiquitous.
