She may be one of the biggest names on TV, but that wasn’t always the case for BGT’s Amanda Holden
WORDS: GERAINT LLEWELLYN. PHOTOS: ITV, GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK, BBC/BIG BEAR PRODUCTIONS
THE HIGHS
DRAMA QUEEN
2002–2008 Amanda began her career as an actor and after appearing in sitcoms Kiss Me Kate and The Grimleys, she became a household name thanks to her role as Mia Bevan in hairdressing drama Cutting It. Amanda then led the cast of ITV’s Wild At Heart for three series (left). She stepped back from acting to concentrate on presenting, before popping up years later in Neighbours and reuniting with BGT winner Pudsey the Dog in his very own 2014 movie.
THE LOWS
BLIND DATE
1991 Amanda’s first brush with fame came with an ill-fated appearance on game show Blind Date at the tender age of 19. Bubbly and beautiful, she cheekily told host Cilla Black her celebrity crush was Jack Nicholson, explaining that, ‘I like to experience mature men.’ Despite her natural charm in front of the camera, Amanda went home disappointed after the suitor chose another singleton.
BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT
2007–PRESENT Amanda is a staple of the award-winning competition show and has become one of TV’s biggest stars since appearing on its first episode in 2007. Over the years the judge, who often puts Simon Cowell in his place, has seen talented (and not-so talented) hopefuls attempt to impress with everything from opera singing to unicycling. However, the glamorous 52-year-old’s on-screen outfits have often sparked controversy, with low necklines and short skirts resulting in hundreds of viewer complaints to Ofcom.
CURTAIN CALL
2004 The curtain came down early on Amanda’s West End musical Thoroughly Modern Millie. Despite her lead performance being hailed by critics, poor ticket sales resulted in the show closing two months early. It was reported Amanda had been accused of taking too much time off, but a friend of Amanda was quick to rubbish the claims, saying, ‘Amanda is surprised that anyone could accuse her of missing too many performances. Like everyone else in the show, she is entitled to 24 days’ holiday.’
VIVACIOUS VOCALS
2020 As if she wasn’t busy enough, Amanda released her first solo album Songs From My Heart in 2020 after signing with the same record com
