Midge Ure: What is the harshest thing anyone has said to you? — FLAPSS

The question

What is the harshest thing anyone has said to you?

Originally asked

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

A fixed Guardian Q&A prompt asked directly across respondents and years.

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MU

Midge Ure

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

I stopped drinking 18 or 19 years ago, and in an argument someone who will remain nameless said: “Oh just go and have a drink.” It was nasty.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 2 September 2023 source ↗

Others on this question

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“You pinko!” by a Tory minister signing off at the end of an interview with me during the EU referendum campaign.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 9 March 2024 source ↗

Someone said that I had a laugh like Jimmy Carr.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 September 2025 source ↗

Eleanor Tomlinson English actress

“You were amazing in Game of Thrones.” I say it’s the worst thing – it’s also the best!

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 25 May 2024 source ↗

When I was growing up, my mother would accuse me of showing off. That’s the most shaming, humbling, horrible thing. What was I doing? Showing off!

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 April 2026 source ↗

More from Midge Ure

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Question Excluding property, what is the most expensive thing you have ever bought? Money & investment

A 28ft motorboat, which sat in the water for two years because I was so busy working.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 2 September 2023 source ↗

Question What do you fear most? Identity & self

Apathy, either from an audience, the people around me or myself.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 2 September 2023 source ↗

Question Which trait in yourself do you like least? Identity & self

Sitting on the fence – I will do anything to avoid confrontation.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 2 September 2023 source ↗

Question What do you believe happens when we die? Death & what remains

Other people get sad.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 2 September 2023 source ↗

Question What thought won't let you sleep? Daily life

Those mad thoughts. Did you turn off the air fryer? Have I booked my plane for tomorrow?

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 2 September 2023 source ↗

Question Who alive today do you admire most, and what draws you to them? Values & belief

Carol Vorderman, because she’s stuck her head above the parapet to try to hold our bizarre politicians to account.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 2 September 2023 source ↗

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