Nigel Havers: Which living person do you most admire, and why?

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.

Recorded Nigel Havers said elsewhere, not written here

The king – because he’s been through quite a bit and I think he’s come out the other side brilliantly.

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

Others on this question

Tina Brown British and American journalist

Harry Evans. My opportunities to admire him are many since I am – at time of writing – still married to him.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 May 2010 source ↗

Julian Clary English actor, comedian, novelist and presenter

Dame Joan Collins. She insists on being happy whatever is going on and, despite being a Tory, is a very caring person.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 25 June 2022 source ↗

Gillian Anderson American actress and writer

Obama, because against all odds, he's getting the job done with grace and integrity.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 5 March 2011 source ↗

Angus Deayton English actor, comedian, presenter and writer

Sir Alex Ferguson is the most impressive person I’ve met in terms of charisma and achievement.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 August 2016 source ↗