Fearne Cotton: What disappointment has stayed with you longest?

The question

What disappointment has stayed with you longest?

Originally asked

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

This exact question recurs in The Guardian's institutional Q&A pool.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

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

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Meg Rosoff American novelist

Not being born a boy.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 23 November 2013 source ↗

Philip Treacy Irish-born haute couture milliner

My friends dying: Alexander (McQueen), Isabella (Blow), a friend of cancer last year.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 August 2014 source ↗

Annie Mac Irish broadcaster and DJ

Not getting into drama college in Dublin. I cut all my hair off as a sort of self-punishment for being crap.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 May 2010 source ↗

Archie Panjabi British actress

I was rejected by EastEnders, having been called three times. I was heartbroken.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 3 February 2018 source ↗

More from Fearne Cotton

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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 ↗