Clare Balding: Who alive today do you admire most, and what draws you to them?

The question

Who alive today do you admire most, and what draws you to them?

Originally asked

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

The Guardian's Q&A repeatedly uses this prompt, sometimes dropping 'living' while retaining the same comparative judgment.

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

Clare Balding

English broadcaster, journalist, TV presenter and author

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

AP McCoy, the 15 times champion jump jockey. I am constantly in awe of his dedication to his sport.

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 15 January 2011 source ↗

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Person AP McCoy not yet on FLAPSS

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John Malkovich Actor

I admire the mother of my children a great deal, because she’s interesting, smart and funny.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 10 March 2018 source ↗

Sandy Powell British costume designer

My friend [art director] Simon Costin who, in 35 years, I’ve never once seen in a bad mood.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 September 2019 source ↗

Grace Coddington Welsh former model and creative director

All the people I work with, people like Anna Wintour and Bruce Weber.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 September 2015 source ↗

Joan Collins English actress and writer

Bill Clinton, I think he was a great president (who cares about his indiscretions?).

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 31 May 2014 source ↗

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Question What period or moment in your life brought you the most joy? Time & hindsight

This may sound nauseating, but I am a very happy person. I love my work, I love my life and I'm told by those who know/love me that it's a bit like living with Tigger. Bloody annoying, I should think.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 15 January 2011 source ↗

Question What disappointment has stayed with you longest? Failure & regret

My A-level grades – but I got over it.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 15 January 2011 source ↗

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Nick Robinson, Liz Jones, Anne Robinson, Clive Myrie, John Lewis, Kellie Maloney

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