Alan Carr reveals the weirdest thing he has been asked to sign and how his footballer father taught him to navigate fame

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Alan Carr says having a father who was a well-known footballer instilled in him the importance of always making time for fans and signing autographs, no matter the request.

Graham Carr, who is 81 and a former professional footballer for Northampton Town, shared stories about how his father, the winner of Celebrity Traitors at age 49, was often recognized in public.

He admitted to Bella Magazine that as a child, he used to find his father signing autographs tedious, thinking it was ‘boring.’ However, he always noticed his dad made time for everyone and enjoyed talking with fans. Because of that, he now makes a point of being available and friendly when people approach him.

Alan recounted a funny experience: he saw terrible underwear in a Northampton gift shop with the phrase ‘I’ve scored at the Count Ground’ printed on them, and his dad was actually signing them! He also mentioned he once signed a box of Femfresh wipes, adding with a laugh, ‘I do my part to give back!’

Growing up, I learned my mum, Christine, definitely fit the ‘WAG’ lifestyle – she’d occasionally get recognized when we were out, though not nearly as often as my dad, who was the really famous one.

People used to recognize her as Graham Carr’s wife, but now they know her as Alan Carr’s mother!

Graham currently works as an associate director for Northampton Town. He previously managed Weymouth in 1977, followed by stints at Dartford and Nuneaton Borough.

He began his football career playing for York City and Bradford Park Avenue. He later transitioned to non-league football, playing for clubs like Altrincham and Telford United.

He continued his career at Poole Town and Dartford, helping Dartford win the Southern League title and finishing as runners-up in the FA Trophy in 1974.

However, the popular talk show host has shared in the past that his father had difficulty understanding and supporting his chosen profession.

Having played football himself, he was deeply immersed in the competitive and physically demanding world of the sport, and he really wanted his son to become a football player too.

Instead, Alan told his father he was enrolling at Middlesex University to study performing arts.

He joked, recounting a conversation with his father: “Dad: ‘Alan, why are you doing this to me?’ Alan: ‘I’m not sure, Dad, but I can explain it with a dance!'”

Even though Alan and his father didn’t always agree, they still had a close relationship. Alan had said before that both of his parents were proud of his accomplishments.

Graham hadn’t seen his son perform on stage for several years, but was deeply moved to tears when he finally watched him at the 2021 Royal Variety Show.

When Alan publicly shared details about his relationship in 2008, he explained that his father simply wasn’t a fan of comedy or similar things.

He’s a really straightforward guy, and he absolutely loves football. It’s his biggest passion – honestly, nothing else really captures his interest.

‘I’ve talked about it with other people, and it turns out all their dads are the same.

My family always hoped I’d choose a traditional career like being a soldier or a doctor, but I never settled on one thing. I’m a Gemini, and ever since I was a little kid – around five years old – my dream job was constantly changing.

My dad is a good man, not at all controlling. He simply had a dream for me to become a professional football player, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out.

Alan also dealt with bullying at school, adding to the difficulties he was already facing.

Speaking on Desert Island Discs in 2018, Alan revealed: ‘I was bullied, but I was really annoying.’ 

He explained that bullying used to stop when school finished for the day, but now it continues even after hours, with bullies filming the incidents. He expressed relief that he no longer attends school, describing the current situation as terrible.

You know, I was chatting with Alan recently, and he shared a really interesting story. He was on BBC Radio 4 with Lauren Laverne, and he talked about the exact moment he became aware that he had a truly unique voice. It was fascinating to hear how that realization came about!

‘I had the most awful thing when I was about 12 or 13’, he said in 2018.

During a drama class, we reviewed a recording, and I immediately noticed something strange about my own voice. It sounded unusually high and free, almost as if it were struggling to be contained, like a seagull trying to fly with an injured wing.

I’m relieved now, but finding out felt like a real shock. I kept wondering why no one had said anything, but then I realized they were – the people who were bullying me were pointing it out constantly. It was a terrible experience.

Although Alan doesn’t see himself as a victim – he believes his bullies were simply misguided – he admitted the experience left him feeling isolated and alone.

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2025-11-18 20:36