Monica Dolan: When were you most embarrassed?

The question

Originally asked

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

A verbatim recurring question in The Guardian's Q&A series.

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

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

I once walked up to Harriet Walter while she was having lunch on her own because I thought I knew her, and then when I got up to the table I realised I didn’t know her, I just recognised her because she was Harriet Walter.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 January 2024 source ↗

Others on this question

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Michael Ball English singer, presenter and actor

During the technical rehearsal of Aspects of Love in 1989. They told me it would be discreetly lit because I was paranoid about being in just my pants. I walked on and every spotlight in the building followed me round the stage.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 20 May 2023 source ↗

Fearne Cotton

On radio, I once said “anal” instead of “angel”.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 March 2026 source ↗

Omid Djalili British stand-up comedian and actor

Sending a text meant for my wife to Dara O'Briain by mistake, revealing myself to be a control freak.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 August 2010 source ↗

Kelly Hoppen

Years ago in a safari park in South Africa, and getting all dressed up for dinner. Walking across the lawn, I didn’t realise there was a swimming pool that hadn’t been lit and walked straight into the shallow end fully clothed. It still haunts me. I remember trying to get out as if no one would notice.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 September 2024 source ↗