Fearne Cotton: What disappointment has stayed with you longest? — FLAPSS

The question

What disappointment has stayed with you longest?

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Fearne Cotton

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

I assumed that once I reached some level of achievement, I would feel fixed.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

Others on this question

View all 367 →

Shane MacGowan Irish singer-songwriter

I never set my sights that high, so I’m not disappointed with anything.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 December 2021 source ↗

Dominic Cooper English actor

Not playing Freddie Mercury.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 August 2017 source ↗

Shirley Hughes English illustrator and author

Not being able to live my life over again with the experience I now have.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 13 January 2012 source ↗

Kelly Macdonald Scottish actress

Not enjoying tap dancing.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 4 January 2014 source ↗

More from Fearne Cotton

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Question When were you most embarrassed? Failure & regret

On radio, I once said “anal” instead of “angel”.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

Question What is the harshest thing anyone has said to you? Failure & regret

People have said, “I wish you would die.” That’s the stark truth of being in the public eye – people dehumanise you and say ghastly things.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

Question What accomplishment matters most to you? Craft & work

Picking myself back up after very tricky times and trying again.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

Question As a child, what career or life did you imagine for yourself? Identity & self

An air steward, because I loved airports. I wrote a letter to British Airways when I was seven and I’ve got the reply in the loft, which says, “You’re a bit young at seven but do stay in touch.” I was that kind of kid who was eager to start the ball rolling.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

Question What lesson has mattered most in your life? Time & hindsight

The more you face shame and stare it in the eyes and talk about it, the less potent it is.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

Question How would you sum yourself up in three words? Identity & self

Eager to learn.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

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