Arlene Phillips: Excluding property, what is the most expensive thing you have ever bought?

The question

Excluding property, what is the most expensive thing you have ever bought?

Originally asked

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

The Guardian's weekly The Q&A repeatedly uses this standing prompt, with minor contractions and word-order variation.

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

Arlene Phillips

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

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

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

Others on this question

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Alex Lawther

My partner was doing a play in Hong Kong last year and I went to visit him, and I bought him a beautiful teacup. But I didn’t look at the price tag before I took it to the till and it was £100, the most expensive teacup imaginable.

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

Scott Mills English radio DJ and television presenter

I splash out on holidays and scented candles – I’ve got one that my fiancee won’t let me light, so it’s just for show.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 October 2022 source ↗

Robbie Williams English singer

A ring for my wife.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 27 May 2017 source ↗

Matt Goss English singer-songwriter

My Patek Philippe watch collection; or my cars – an Aston Martin and Bentley Mulsanne.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 12 March 2022 source ↗

More from Arlene Phillips

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Question What most recently moved you to tears? Identity & self

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

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 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 ↗