Simon Mayo: Aside from a property, what is the most expensive thing you have bought?

Aside from a property, what is the most expensive thing you have bought?

Originally asked

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

The Guardian's weekly The Q&A repeatedly uses this standing prompt, with minor contractions and word-order variation.

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

Recorded Simon Mayo said elsewhere, not written here

My glasses. They were more than a grand.

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 August 2020 source ↗

Others on this question

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Michael Ball English singer, presenter and actor

My dogs. They didn’t cost that much to buy, but I’ve been paying for them since. We’ve two Tibetan terriers, Danny and Wilbur.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 20 May 2023 source ↗

Katherine Parkinson English actor

A Chanel dress. I bought it with my first proper paycheck and it was ridiculously expensive. It is also hideous.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 12 September 2020 source ↗

Belinda Carlisle American singer

I’ve been doing pilates for 25 years and I swear by it. I decided to kit out a room with pilates equipment – and I think it’s the most expensive thing I’ve invested in.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 4 March 2023 source ↗

Stephen K Amos

A Porsche 911 Turbo.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 20 September 2025 source ↗

More from Simon Mayo

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Question What has been your biggest disappointment? Failure & regret

Feeling as though I had to leave Radio 2 to get my life back on track. I had every intention of being David Jacobs or Brian Matthew and going on until I was 127, but it didn’t turn out like that.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 August 2020 source ↗