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 →

Kevin Rowland British singer

My dad said, “You’re going nowhere.” I was seven or eight.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 9 August 2025 source ↗

I was called the N-word in Romford, by someone stepping off a train as I was getting on.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 12 April 2025 source ↗

One time an engineer said, “I always forget your frequency is at the same level as a crying baby.” I think he was on to something, because I have been told to shush many times over the years.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 November 2025 source ↗

Eleanor Tomlinson English actress

“You were amazing in Game of Thrones.” I say it’s the worst thing – it’s also the best!

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 25 May 2024 source ↗

More from Jack Whitehall

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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 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 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 do you fear most? Identity & self

Turning into my father.

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 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 ↗

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