Amanda Holden Responds to Britain's Got Talent Wardrobe Criticism
Amanda Holden, the longest-serving judge on ITV's Britain's Got Talent, has firmly addressed recent backlash over her outfits on the show. With the competition returning for its 19th series, Holden remains unapologetic about her fashion choices, stating with characteristic humor, "Of course, there'll be side boob and leg, anything else that I can get out. Bring it on."
New Dynamics with Judge KSI
The 55-year-old television personality revealed she has developed a close bond with new judge KSI, who replaced Bruno Tonioli this season. Tonioli, 70, departed due to scheduling conflicts with Dancing with the Stars, a change Holden described as positive, noting "everyone's happy" about the switch.
Holden joked about being KSI's "nan" but praised the 32-year-old YouTuber and entrepreneur for bringing fresh energy to the panel. "That's what KSI brings. It was a genius move," she said, highlighting their contrasting lifestyles backstage. While Tonioli enjoyed drinks, KSI focuses on fitness, protein shakes, and his Prime energy drinks, which he generously shared with Holden.
"KSI doesn't drink. He's always keeping fit and doing protein, Prime, protein," Holden explained. "He brought me a crate of that. I'm like, 'Thanks, babe, that's gonna come in handy when I weightlift'." She delivered this remark with the tone of someone who has never lifted weights, showcasing her playful rapport with the new judge.
Holden's Perspective on Her Role
Despite her long tenure, Holden expressed no sense of entitlement about her position on the Britain's Got Talent panel. "I've always publicly said, I'm very grateful to sit in my judging seat. If that ends, I respect the decision, because it's always good to keep reinventing," she stated, emphasizing the importance of evolution in television.
The judge also reflected on the show's longevity compared to contemporaries like The X Factor and Dancing on Ice, crediting its ability to adapt and refresh its format.
Thoughts on Strictly Come Dancing Hosting Role
While Holden has declined opportunities to host Strictly Come Dancing due to scheduling conflicts with Britain's Got Talent, she shared strong opinions on who should replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. She criticized the reported frontrunners as "boring" and urged producers to "think outside the box."
"That's my big thing," Holden emphasized. "I think it's a really amazing job to break two people that we might not know or don't know that well and push them up into the spotlight. There are so many women in our industry like that – without getting too political – who've put all the work in, all the hours, who deserve a bloody break."
She specifically named comedians Katherine Ryan and Daisy May Cooper, along with television presenter Alex Jones, as ideal candidates. Holden also suggested the BBC search the Edinburgh Festival for fresh talent, proposing, "Make it a thing. Make it a prize!"
Declining Celebrity Traitors and Future Plans
Holden revealed she turned down an offer to appear on Celebrity Traitors because it would conflict with three Saturday nights of Britain's Got Talent filming. "I was very flattered, but I am not going to be around the table, unless they change the schedule," she said, adding cheekily, "I also don't fancy staying at a hotel in Inverness airport."
With her radio show, family commitments, and judging duties, Holden maintains a busy schedule that leaves little room for additional television projects. However, her enthusiasm for supporting women in the industry and her commitment to Britain's Got Talent remain unwavering as the show continues its latest season on ITV1 and ITVX.
