Matthew Kelly: What disappointment has stayed with you longest? — FLAPSS

The question

What disappointment has stayed with you longest?

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

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

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MK

Matthew Kelly

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

I didn’t get a part in a TV series for a writer that I’ve always wanted to work with, but I wasn’t right for it, if I’m truly honest.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 14 February 2026 source ↗

Others on this question

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Yusuf Islam British musician

Not making number one with Matthew And Son because of the Monkees.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 15 November 2014 source ↗

Andy Murray British professional tennis player, 2005–2024

Professionally, when I lost my first Wimbledon final. I am also disappointed I didn’t learn Spanish when I lived there.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 July 2019 source ↗

Samuel L Jackson American actor

Finding out that life's not fair.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 23 December 2011 source ↗

Brenda Blethyn British actress

I was really disappointed not to be auditioned for Pride & Prejudice, but then they changed their minds and I got the part of Mrs Bennet.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 April 2012 source ↗

More from Matthew Kelly

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Question What do you fear most? Identity & self

Not being able to work.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 14 February 2026 source ↗

Question Which book do you still mean to read, and why has it stayed on your list? Taste & recommendation

Fifty per cent of the books on my shelf, so much so that I gave them away.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 14 February 2026 source ↗

Question What one change would most improve the quality of your daily life? Daily life

Removal of fear and anxiety.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 14 February 2026 source ↗

Question How would you sum yourself up in three words? Identity & self

Friendly, opinionated, hilarious.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 14 February 2026 source ↗

Question Who deserves an apology from you, and for what? Failure & regret

My parents, because I rather slipped from their standards on more than one occasion. And when they got older, I wish I’d been kinder and more tolerant with them.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 14 February 2026 source ↗

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

Insurance – it’s such a scam.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 14 February 2026 source ↗

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