Bear Grylls: When were you happiest?

When were you happiest?

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.

Recorded Bear Grylls said elsewhere, not written here

When it’s just us as a family on our island hideaway in Wales.

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 3 October 2015 source ↗

Others on this question

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Melanie Chisholm British pop singer

Becoming a mum quashed so many demons within me, and gave me confidence and a sense of calm.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 15 October 2016 source ↗

Jennifer Hudson American singer and actress

Around the holidays, because I get to spend them with family and friends.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 January 2018 source ↗

Orlando Bloom English actor

When I was about to embark on filming The Lord Of The Rings, prior to any kind of fame or notoriety, full of hope and dreams, and excitement of the adventures ahead.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 20 March 2021 source ↗

Sinéad O'Connor Irish singer and songwriter

When I am performing, and when my kids make musical mayhem.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 1 June 2013 source ↗

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Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 3 October 2015 source ↗

Question Aside from a property, what is the most expensive thing you have bought? Money & investment

An apocalypse escape vessel – a steel hull ice-capable sailing boat for all the family that has almost zero electronics and is manual operation throughout – armed with an array of weaponry.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 24 January 2026 source ↗