Gavin and Stacey character Mick Shipman named by Brits as the ultimate ‘dad’ role model, says survey

GAVIN and Stacey's Mick Shipman is the ultimate British dad role model, a poll suggests.

The BBC show's character, played by Larry Lamb, 74, is a favourite for his down-to-earth attitude, calm head and good humour.

And he was beaten globally only by Uncle Phil Banks from US comedy The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

But 48 per cent of dads say onscreen role models are unrealistic and set and impossible example.

Some 20 per cent say they have too much time on their hands and 28 per cent reckon they have it easy without financial constraints.

Head of research at OnePoll Mark Hodson said: “Most of what we see on TV has a bit of a sheen on it – and the roles of parents are no different.

“This research aimed to find the fathers on the silver screen who were most inspiring to the dads of the UK.

“But TV isn’t real life – as long as you and your family are happy – most of the time - then the fathers of this country are doing a good job.”

The study also found patience was the top thing dads have to master in order to be a good father figure, according to 47 per cent of respondents.

Another 46 per cent believe perfecting the ‘dad jokes’ and having a sense of humour is most important, and the same amount think it’s key to spend as much time with kids as possible.

More than 33 per cent believe a ‘good dad’ is someone who is dependable and is happy to spend time with kids without the other parent being there.

However, one in five admit they aren’t sure whether they are a ‘good dad’ or not – with 63 per cent believing they are.

And 32 per cent took inspiration from their own father on how to do it themselves, while 18 per cent were inspired by their grandfather.

But 13 per cent look to celebrity dads for tips on how to do the best job possible, while 15 per cent turn to telly father figures.