Joan Bakewell: What disappointment has stayed with you longest?

The question

What disappointment has stayed with you longest?

Originally asked

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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Joan Bakewell

English journalist, television presenter and politician

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

Not being on Morecambe & Wise.

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 19 October 2013 source ↗

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Dawn O’Porter

Not winning Celebrity MasterChef. I am still gutted, despite many months of pretending to be fine with it.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 15 August 2026 source ↗

Lucy Beaumont

That money doesn’t buy happiness.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 October 2024 source ↗

Emily Watson English actress

The England football team - they never fail to disappoint.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 2 August 2008 source ↗

Kelly Hoppen

I had an opportunity many years ago to move to America and be given a daytime TV show. The kids were quite young and I decided not to, but looking back I wish I had done it.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 September 2024 source ↗

More from Joan Bakewell

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

Wondering if I've turned the gas off.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 19 October 2013 source ↗

Question What song would you want played at your funeral? Death & what remains

A hymn called The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 19 October 2013 source ↗

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

My student days at Cambridge.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 19 October 2013 source ↗

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