Val McDermid
Scottish crime novel writer
I am happiest right now. Things are going really well – my professional life, my personal life, my family life.
When were you happiest?
Question
What has been your biggest disappointment?
Failure & regret
Question
Which living person do you most admire, and why?
Values & belief
Originally asked
The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A
Asked in 52 of the 131 consecutive instalments of The Guardian's The Q&A harvested on 2026-08-29.
You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.
In Cyprus between 1994 and 1999. I was baking out there, the weather was fantastic, it was a great place to be and I met my wife Alex.
The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 April 2014 source ↗
Others on this question
View all 577 →Now. My life is better with every year of living it.
Jimmy Savile
English media personality and sex offender
During the war - to a teenager, wartime is very exciting. And when there was no traffic, I could ride my bike about the lovely Yorkshire lanes with not a car in sight. And I'm very happy today because I'm not skint.
Alison Steadman
British actress
When my son was born and I realised I was a mum.
More from Paul Hollywood
View profile →That I stopped martial arts 20 years ago.
My mum, for bringing up three lads.
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