The Rise of the Dad Icon

The Rise of the Dad Icon

Press release 17th June 2026 Deal

Three Mobile reveals the films, music and hobbies passed down, and encouraging Brits to lock-in 'Dad Dates' this Father's Day

• From 007 to Hard Day's Night, dads are shaping Britain's cultural tastes, with James Bond (27%), The Beatles (21%) and Queen (15%) making the top three interests passed on.
• Half of Brits (49%) say that shared passions have helped them connect more with their father figures.
• This Father's Day, Three Mobile is inviting people to turn mutual interests and quick check-ins into 'Dad Dates', with cinema tickets from £3 and barista-made drinks from £1 on the Three+ rewards app.
• With support from Jordon Cox (aka Coupon King) - "Father's Day is a good reminder that a great 'Dad Date' doesn't need to cost the earth. It just needs a common interest and a reason you both put it in the diary."

Forget the old clichés about dads dishing out the DIY hacks, driving lectures and Sunday league loyalties - the latest generation of dads are fast becoming Britain's cultural icons. New research from Three Mobile reveals that more than half (51%) of Brits say their dad or father figure introduced them to a cultural interest that later became a firm favourite, from watching sport (34%) to TV shows (29%) and films (26%). This Father's Day, Three is inviting people to turn those shared passions into 'Dad Dates', with cinema tickets from £3 and catch-ups over barista-made drinks from just £1 through the Three+ customer rewards app.

From 'shaken, not stirred' to 'The Hippy Hippy Shake', today's 'Dad Icons' have clearly introduced their children to more than just cheesy jokes. James Bond topped the list of films passed down by fathers (27%), followed by Star Wars (14%) and The Good, the Bad & The Ugly (13%), while The Beatles topped the music list (21%), followed by Queen (15%) and The Rolling Stones (12%).

And there's a stronger psychological reason too, with half of Brits (49%) agreeing that bonding over music, film, gaming and fandoms has helped them connect more and build stronger relationships with their dads or father figures, with the majority (54%) admitting it has helped opened the door to deeper, more meaningful conversations too.

Dads may not always be known for being the best communicators, but almost a third (31%) of Gen Zs said they could always rely on support through the classic dad 'thumbs up' in the group chat or short, practical replies (23%). When it comes to making the first move, tech-native Gen Zs confess that their dad is more likely to drop them a line to check-in (even if this is sometimes via mum or a sibling at 40%). Whereas Millennials are the generation most likely to call or message their dads first (26%) - and also favour a traditional phone call (30%) over the other age groups.

To encourage people to put more intentional time with father figures in the diary, Three is championing 'Dad Dates' - simple moments built around shared interests, like cinema trips and coffee catchups. Ahead of Father's Day, Three has partnered with Jordon Cox, aka Coupon King, to share tips for planning these quality moments without breaking the bank.

Jordon said: "Father's Day is a good reminder that a great 'Dad Date' doesn't need to cost the earth. It just needs a common interest and a reason you both put it in the diary. The trick is to plan around time-well-spent, rather than spending lots of money - I'm talking a cinema trip, turning a £1 coffee deal into a proper time to sit down and catch-up, or grabbing lunch whilst you get the car washed - this used to be a proper event with me and my dad!

"I always check loyalty apps to find deals - and the Three+ rewards app always has a bunch of them. It'll save you a bit of cash on a day out and gives you an excuse for quality time!"

Through its Three+ rewards app, Three is helping customers turn everyday check-ins into meaningful 'Dad Dates', without breaking the bank - making it easier to celebrate the father figures who are always at the end of the phone to offer a 'thumbs up'.

This year, Three customers can take advantage of the following Father's Day treats* via the free Three+ app:

• Thousands of free car washes from IMO Car Wash across the UK (until 28^th June)
• Weekend cinema tickets from £3 at Cineworld (weekly offer)
• Barista-made drinks from just £1 at Three's Coffee Network of coffee shops and cafes (weekly offer)
• £5 off foodie favourites such as Papa Johns (weekly offer)
• £5 sizzling fajitas at Las Iguanas (until 30^th June)
• £5 pizza or pasta at Frankie & Benny's (until 30^th June)

For more 'Dad Date' inspiration, Jordon has pulled together five ways to spend time together without breaking the bank:

1. The Coffee Connoisseur: Treat Dad to a Coffee Date

"Forget fancy lunches - a decent brew and a proper catch-up might be all dad wants! Meeting up for a coffee gives you the chance to slow down, catch up and spend some quality one-on-one time together, and you can grab a coffee for £1 on the Three+ rewards app too."

1. The Movie Critic: Enjoy a Movie Together

"You can often find deals on a trip to the cinema, which can actually be a budget-friendly way to celebrate. And you could always buy your own snacks at the supermarket to save on those popcorn prices! Because it's Father's Day - let dad off with the running commentary too!"

1. The Foodie Father: Go for a classic

"Taking your dad out for dinner doesn't have to mean an over-the-top meal. Loads of classic chains have great deals - including £5 off, 'dads go free' or 'kids go free' - so you can grab a seat and have a proper catch up over your favourite dish."

1. The Memory Maker: Make your own personalised coupon

Being thoughtful can often mean a lot more to fathers than going broke on a gift… so why not make your own? There are tons of coupon templates online, that entitles dad to 'one free breakfast in bed' or 'one uninterrupted football match'. You can print them off or write one of your own for the personalised touch. Personally speaking… I'd want nothing more!

1. Old and Reliable: Give the Gift of Time

When asked what they want most, many dads value spending time with family. A homemade card, a picnic in the park, helping with a DIY project or setting aside time to do something he enjoys can often mean more than an expensive present. That's the best deal of all!

For more information on the Three+ rewards app, visit Three's website.

Ends

*Three+ offers are subject to T&Cs and availability. Please see Three+ app for further details.

For further information and media enquiries, please contact three [ATNOSPAM] tinmancomms.com

Three+ offers T&Cs

• IMO Car Wash: One free Triple Foam car wash per Three+ customer, worth £8.50 RRP. Valid at participating IMO Car Wash locations in the UK only. Offer is subject to availability, has no cash alternative and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
• Cineworld: Redeem 1 code per week for 1 x £3 adult 2D standard seat Cineworld ticket. Available Fri-Sun only. Premium upgrades are available at an additional cost. Available for UK residents aged 18 and over. A £0.95 booking fee applies. See Three+ for full terms.
• £1 coffee: One unique link per Three+ customer per week to access the £1 Coffee Network website. The unique link will unlock one single use £1 Coffee Network drink voucher redeemable at participating venues. You will have 30 minutes to use your voucher once activated on the £1 Coffee Network website. Vouchers not redeemed within this time period will expire and cannot be used again. You will not be eligible to claim another voucher until the start of the next calendar week.
• £5 off Foodies: One unique link per Three+ customer per week to access participating local restaurants network discount vouchers. Access up to 14 vouchers per week (2 per day, Mon - Sun) for use at different restaurants. Vouchers cannot be used multiple times at same restaurant in same week. You will have 3 hours to use your voucher once activated on the £5 off for foodies website. Vouchers not redeemed within this time period will expire and cannot be used again. Check individual restaurant terms for further terms and exclusions. Excludes alcohol.
• Las Iguanas: Up to 4 customers can redeem per code (maximum 4 customers per table). 1 code per customer per week. Each code is valid for the Three+ customer and up to 3 guests. Valid Sunday to Thursday from 12pm. Eat-in only. Additional £2.50 supplement applies to Mixed Fajitas. Excludes Father's Day, Center Parcs locations and selected venues. Exclusions apply. Offer expires 23:59 on 30th June 2026.
• Frankie & Benny's: Up to 4 customers can redeem per code (maximum 4 customers per table). 1 code per customer per week. Each code is valid for the Three+ customer and up to 3 guests. Valid Sunday to Friday from 12pm. Eat-in only. Additional £2.50 supplement applies to selected dishes. Excludes Father's Day, airport locations and selected venues. Exclusions apply. Offer expires 23:59 on 30th June 2026.

About the research

Research carried out across 2,000 Brits with dads or father figures aged 18+ years old by 3Gem on behalf of Three Mobile between 10th June - 11th June 2026.