Imogen Poots: When were you most embarrassed?

The question

Originally asked

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

A verbatim recurring question in The Guardian's Q&A series.

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

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

I once asked a young woman if she had ever heard of the musician Laura Marling, insinuating I knew Laura Marling, to which she replied: “I am Laura Marling.”

The Q&A, The Guardian, 23 March 2024 source ↗

Others on this question

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Brandi Carlile

Leaving the stage from a panic attack in my 20s. Hearing the audience angry.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 November 2025 source ↗

Helen Skelton

After the 2012 Olympics I hosted the parade. I had on a little skirt and when the prime minister came on everyone cheered. I thought: “Oh my God, they love David Cameron,” but they were cheering because my skirt had blown up, and I’d flashed my knickers at him.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 3 January 2026 source ↗

Fay Ripley English actress, television presenter, cookbook author

See my greatest fear!

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 November 2022 source ↗

Tom Allen British comedian

I did a corporate gig early in my career, and they opened the buffet in the middle of my set and everybody left.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 25 November 2023 source ↗

More from Imogen Poots

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Question As a child, what career or life did you imagine for yourself? Identity & self

A visual artist.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 23 March 2024 source ↗

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

Two sturdy teeth.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 23 March 2024 source ↗

Question When did you last change your mind about something important? Change of mind

I always thought I would be a terrible driver because I’m sort of a wafty person, but it turns out I am very good at staying in between the lines. I passed my test last year.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 23 March 2024 source ↗