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Now. I am father to Albert, seven, and Esme, six. I’ve never experienced happiness as complete as caring for them.
The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 5 October 2019 source ↗
The question
What period or moment in your life brought you the most joy?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.
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Others on this question
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Suzi Quatro
American-British rock musician
When my first child was born – something I thought would never happen.
Bill Bryson
American-British author
When I had my catheter taken out, thanks for asking.
Sofia Helin
Swedish actress
Now. During the period of Covid, I have had the opportunity to rethink and I’ve got a new gift of cherishing now.
The delivery room when my children and grandchildren were born.
More from Christopher Eccleston
View profile →I think I’ve only really experienced it on a parental level, and it feels like the rhythm of nature.
Elsie Eccleston, my mother, for her emotional intelligence, kindness, intense curiosity, and chicken and leek pies.
During my severe clinical depression in 2016. I was at Piccadilly station in Manchester and a train was coming.
To my children, because their mum and dad’s relationship failed, and I know that has caused them great sadness.
Falling off the stage in the third preview of Macbeth at the RSC.
A little more spiritual enlightenment.
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