Amanda Holden

Amanda Holden was born on February 16, 1971, in Bishop’s Waltham, Hampshire, England. Her early interest in acting and musical theatre led her to join the Bishop’s Waltham Little Theatre Company at age nine, and she later trained at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Holden’s television career began in 1991 as a contestant on “Blind Date.” Throughout the 1990s, she appeared in various TV shows, including a significant role in the Channel 5 sketch show “We Know Where You Live” (1997) alongside Simon Pegg, and guest appearances in “The Bill” and “EastEnders.” She solidified her presence on British television with roles in comedic and dramatic series such as “The Grimleys” (1998–2001), “Kiss Me Kate” (1999–2001), and “Cutting It” (2002–2004).

Holden gained wider recognition as a judge on “Britain’s Got Talent,” a role she has held since 2007, working alongside prominent figures like Simon Cowell. Her theatrical career includes a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical in 2004 for her performance in “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” She also starred as Princess Fiona in the West End production of “Shrek The Musical” in 2011, winning a WhatsOnStage.com Theatregoers’ Choice Award. Beyond acting and judging, Holden has presented numerous television shows for ITV, such as “The Sun Military Awards” (2009–2014) and “This Morning” (2014–2015, 2017). She expanded into radio, co-hosting the national “Heart Breakfast” show with Jamie Theakston starting in 2019.

In 2013, Holden released her autobiography, “No Holding Back,” which became a “Sunday Times” bestseller. Her musical talents were showcased in 2020 with the release of her debut studio album, “Songs from My Heart,” which reached the top 5 on the UK Albums Chart. In addition to her entertainment career, Holden is involved in charity work, supporting causes like breast cancer awareness for Everton F.C., the Born Free Foundation, and PETA campaigns. She has been married to Chris Hughes since 2008, and they have three children.