Oti Mabuse
South African dancer
When I realised that I was meant to be a dancer, aged 19.
When were you happiest?
Question
If you could edit your past, what would you change?
Failure & regret
Question
What most recently made you cry?
Identity & self
Question
What has been your biggest disappointment?
Failure & regret
Question
Which moment embarrassed you most?
Failure & regret
Question
Who most deserves an apology from you, and why?
Failure & regret
Question
What is the worst thing anyone has said to you?
Failure & regret
Originally asked
The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A
Asked in 52 of the 131 consecutive instalments of The Guardian's The Q&A harvested on 2026-08-29.
You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.
When my son was born and I realised I was a mum.
The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 17 January 2009 source ↗
Others on this question
View all 577 →My wedding day, and when my children were first placed in my arms.
Kelly Macdonald
Scottish actress
My wedding day. I had a sore face from laughing and smiling so much. Other than that, I am the happiest I've been in my life now.
Busta Rhymes
American rapper
When I was young and carefree, before I realised what the obstacles were that we face as black people. I was raised in a beautiful home with incredible parents. They allowed me to enjoy what it was to be a child.
More from Alison Steadman
View profile →I would never have smoked - I gave up years ago.
When I read about the abuse of Baby P.
Not making a movie with Jimmy Stewart or Cary Grant.
Playing a pregnant woman, and not being able to find the padding - I shoved a cardie under my dress, and spent the whole play walking around with a sleeve dragging along the floor.
I didn't go to a retirement party once for someone who had been special to me and he died shortly after.
A critic once said she wanted to lift a carpet, put me under it and hold it down until I stopped moving.
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