Son of former US TV presenter Lee Ireland from her first marriage to actor Richard Pettyfer.
Anthony Horowitz, the author of Stormbreaker (2006), practically handpicked Alex for the role of Alex Rider in the film version of the book after seeing his impressive performance in Tom Brown's Schooldays (2005) (TV).
Was offered the title role of Eragon in Eragon (2006) based on the best-selling novel "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini prior to the casting of Edward Speleers. He turned down the part because of his fear of flying.
Was a fashion model for Ralph Lauren and the GAP.