Alison Steadman
British actress
When my son was born and I realised I was a mum.
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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.
When I was about eight, by a river waiting for my dad to finish fishing, eating a Mars bar, drinking a can of Coke and listening to Beat It by Michael Jackson on my Walkman. I remember feeling I couldn’t be happier.
The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 April 2022 source ↗
Others on this question
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Adwoa Aboah
British fashion model
On a walking safari in the middle of the Kenyan bush. I had no phone, no mirror, nothing, and I was really happy because I had no distractions.
Five to 10, when I was just playing out and I didn’t realise I was a girl. Before my boobs came in, basically.
Joanna Scanlan
British actress and writer
Swimming down the Thames on a full moon night 10 years ago. It was dangerous, but extremely joyful.
More from Johnny Flynn
View profile →I’ve got vertigo, so anything to do with heights.
When I left drama school, I thought I was going to work at the Royal Court and tell stories about political injustice. I got cast in ITV murder mysteries.
Control freakery in the kitchen.
Not feeling like you have to be anywhere else.
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