Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister of Scotland, was left visibly shocked and doubled over on The Assembly after one of the interviewers took a brutal swipe at her appearance, just after she teased a ‘radical’ makeover.
The 55-year-old politician, who stepped down in 2023 after nearly a decade of leadership, joined the second series of The Assembly to face a crowd of interviewers with a unique perspective – a group of individuals who are autistic, neurodivergent, or learning-disabled. The interview took a sharp turn when one contributor compared her to the infamous movie character Mrs. Doubtfire.
During the episode, which airs as part of the show’s second series, Sturgeon was asked about her signature hairstyle. “You’ve had the same hairstyle for many years… have you considered getting another one?” one of the interviewers questioned. A chuckling Sturgeon responded, “Yes, I have. Look, I’ve got really, really difficult hair, it’s really thick, you can’t do anything with it, I hate my hair.”
She continued, adding, “But, I am thinking of doing something quite radically different to mark leaving politics. I’m not quite sure what yet… like bleaching it or something like that.”
However, before she could go further, one of the interviewees bluntly remarked: “Your face and your hair look a bit like Mrs. Doubtfire.” The comparison to the beloved 1993 Robin Williams character, known for disguising himself as an elderly Scottish housekeeper, sparked laughter and jeers from the crowd, leaving Sturgeon visibly taken aback, placing her hands over her face in shock.
While the exchange was awkward, it wasn’t the only emotional moment in the episode. Later, Sturgeon broke down in tears as she opened up about her miscarriage in a deeply personal moment, leaving her “exhausted and drained” after being grilled by the audience.
Reflecting on her emotional vulnerability, Sturgeon shared that speaking about the miscarriage was “cathartic,” although she didn’t expect to get so emotional on the show. “There were a couple of points when I felt quite overwhelmed,” she said. “The tears just started to flow, and I didn’t think I was going to be able to stop.”
In the raw interview, she revealed the pain of losing a child, which she believes would have made her a better mother. “I cried so much I didn’t think I was going to be able to stop,” she admitted. This raw honesty made for a powerful moment on television, one that felt more personal and unfiltered than the typical political interview.
As the show continues, Sturgeon’s openness about her personal struggles and her decision to leave politics is sure to spark conversations on vulnerability, public life, and the emotional toll of leadership.
