Arlene Phillips: What most recently moved you to tears? — FLAPSS

The question

What most recently moved you to tears?

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.

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

AP

Arlene Phillips

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

I play Classic FM in the car – emotional music brings me to tears thinking about people I’ve loved and lost.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 June 2025 source ↗

Others on this question

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Cybill Shepherd American actress and former model

Yesterday: my old dog, Kim, has cancer, and I have to let him die now.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 June 2008 source ↗

I cry all the time in front of the telly. I was doing Gogglebox with Julian Clary recently and I cried watching The Piano.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 August 2026 source ↗

Charles Dance British actor

Frequently, especially now with what’s happening in the Middle East.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 November 2024 source ↗

I cried recently, thinking about my late wife.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 23 January 2016 source ↗

More from Arlene Phillips

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

A Biba dress when I really couldn’t afford it. It was every scrap of my money and I’ve never parted with it.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 June 2025 source ↗

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

Being let go from Strictly.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 June 2025 source ↗

Question What is the worst job you have ever had? Craft & work

In a Dagenham factory at 6am, picking soldiers’ greatcoats from wars around the world to sell at the market in Chelsea. I smelled like mothballs, and no one would come near me.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 June 2025 source ↗

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

Carlos Acosta, for his incredible achievement in dance.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 October 2010 source ↗

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

Each time I gave birth.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 October 2010 source ↗

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

One after the other, thoughts come banging in – and it’s no sleep for you tonight, dearie.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 June 2025 source ↗

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