Amanda Louise Holden was born on February 16, 1971, in Portsmouth, England. She is a well-known media personality, actress, and singer. Holden is best recognized for her role as a judge on the popular television talent show "Britain's Got Talent," a position she has held since 2007. Additionally, she co-hosts the Heart Breakfast radio show with Jamie Theakston.
Early Life and Education
Amanda Holden grew up in Bishop Waltham, Hampshire. From a young age, she was interested in acting and musical theater. She attended Swanmore College and later moved to South London to study at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. During her teenage years, she joined the Bishop's Waltham Little Theatre Company, where she began to hone her skills in performance.
Theatrical Career
Amanda Holden theatrical career began with a notable performance in the West End production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" in 2004, where she played the title role and earned a Laurence Olivier Award nomination. She has also starred in several other stage productions, including "Shrek The Musical," where she played Princess Fiona, and "Stepping Out," which she reprised in a West End revival in 2017.
Television Career
In television, Holden has appeared in various shows, including "The Grimleys," "Kiss Me Kate," "Cutting It," "Wild at Heart," and "Big Top." She has also presented several television programs on ITV, such as "The Sun Military Awards," "Superstar," "This Morning," "Text Santa," and "Give a Pet a Home."
Music Career
In 2020, Amanda Holden released her debut studio album, "Songs from My Heart," which achieved significant success, reaching number four on the UK Albums Chart. Prior to this, she signed a recording contract with Virgin EMI Records in 2019.
Radio Career
In April 2019, Amanda Holden joined the Heart Breakfast team, along side Jamie Theakston as co-host, replacing Emma Bunton. She has continued in this role, contributing to the show national presence.
Personal Life
Amanda Holden was married to comedian Les Dennis from 1995 until their divorce in 2003. She then married Chris "Merrick" Hughes in 2008. Holden and Hughes have three children together. She has faced personal challenges, including a miscarriage in 2010 and a stillbirth in 2011, but she went on to have another child in 2012.
Charity and Other Work
Amanda Holden is actively involved in various charitable efforts. She has supported the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic, raised awareness for animal rights, and worked with organizations like Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. In 2008, she ran the London Marathon for the Born Free Foundation. She has also been involved in campaigns for breast cancer awareness and other causes.
Additional Interests
Holden is a fan of the English Premier League football club Everton F.C. and attends their games when possible. She is a pescetarian and has also posed for awareness campaigns, including those by PETA to highlight animal welfare issues.
Amanda Holden lives in Petersham, Surrey, with her family and owns a cottage in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, which she has been renovating since 2017. Her diverse career and philanthropic work make her a prominent figure in British entertainment and charity circles.
Amanda Holden Parents
Amanda Holden parents are Judith Mary Harrison and Frank Holden. Her mother, Judith, was a supportive presence in Amanda Holden early life, helping to nurture her interest in acting and musical theater. Her father, Frank, was also an important figure in her upbringing. He was a skilled carpenter. Amanda Holden parents played a significant role in her development and success in the entertainment industry, providing the encouragement and support she needed to pursue her dreams.
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