Richard Hammond: What disappointment has stayed with you longest?

The question

Originally asked

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

This exact question recurs in The Guardian's institutional Q&A pool.

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

Richard Hammond

English journalist, television presenter, and author

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

Failing my driving test first time; that was a disappointment on a geological scale.

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 3 January 2009 source ↗

Others on this question

I didn’t get a part in a TV series for a writer that I’ve always wanted to work with, but I wasn’t right for it, if I’m truly honest.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 14 February 2026 source ↗

Hayley Atwell British American actress

Everything’s disappointing when it loses its shine. I’ve lowered my expectations.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 15 December 2018 source ↗

Joan Bakewell English journalist, television presenter and politician

Not being on Morecambe & Wise.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 19 October 2013 source ↗

Richard Hawley English musician

That my dad didn't live to let me share my present success with him – we just ran out of time, Pop.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 February 2011 source ↗

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