Fearne Cotton: What is the most important lesson life has taught you? — FLAPSS

The question

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

Verbatim recurring item in The Guardian Q&A; two fully readable publisher-hosted respondent pages establish institutional recurrence.

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FC

Fearne Cotton

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

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

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

Others on this question

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Stress is bad for your health.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 9 September 2023 source ↗

Offer kindness always.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 March 2025 source ↗

Everything’s temporary, and how to make aioli.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 May 2026 source ↗

Chiwetel Ejiofor English actor

To do the very best you can and then let it go.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 19 October 2024 source ↗

More from Fearne Cotton

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Question What has been your biggest disappointment? Failure & regret

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

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

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

Eager to learn.

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

Question Which trait do you most dislike in yourself? Identity & self

Impatience. I’m not very good at waiting around or dealing with things that aren’t moving at a pace that I want them to.

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

Question What did you want to be when you were growing up? 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 do you consider your greatest achievement? Craft & work

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

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

Question What is the worst 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 ↗

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