Jack Whitehall: What is the harshest thing anyone has said to you? — FLAPSS

The question

What is the harshest thing anyone has said to you?

Originally asked

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

A fixed Guardian Q&A prompt asked directly across respondents and years.

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

JW

Jack Whitehall

English comedian, actor, presenter and writer

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

“You look like a fat Jack Whitehall.”

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 April 2023 source ↗

Others on this question

View all 122 →

As a young actor, again at the Citizens theatre, I was making an exit and a theatregoer leaned over the balcony and said, “You’re terrible!”

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 July 2025 source ↗

Sharleen Spiteri

Somebody wrote that my voice was more numbing than novocaine.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 4 May 2024 source ↗

Penny Lancaster

An English teacher said, “You’ll never make anything of yourself.”

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 27 September 2025 source ↗

Munroe Bergdorf

Apart from stuff on social media, an ex-partner telling me I’m unlovable.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 5 July 2025 source ↗

More from Jack Whitehall

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Question When were you most embarrassed? Failure & regret

I was bumped as a guest on The Justin Lee Collins show for Bianca from EastEnders.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 April 2023 source ↗

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

I was hellbent on being a Thunderbird. I was devastated when my parents finally told me it was a fictional organisation. Ruined my 18th.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 April 2023 source ↗

Question What trait do you most dislike in other people? Values & belief

I dislike dawdlers. When I walk, I do so with purpose. I have no time for people shuffling along.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 April 2023 source ↗

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

Mainly my devil dog.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 April 2023 source ↗

Question Which trait in yourself do you like least? Identity & self

I’m rabidly indiscreet. If you tell me an embarrassing story, it will probably end up in one of my scripts or standup routines.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 April 2023 source ↗

Question What is the worst job you have ever had? Craft & work

It’s also one of the best jobs I’ve done, but two hours in, when everyone’s pissed and ignoring you, hosting the Brit awards can be a tough gig.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 April 2023 source ↗

More on failure & regret

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