Amanda Holden, the 55-year-old Britain’s Got Talent judge, has explained her decision to decline rumors of hosting Strictly Come Dancing alongside Alan Carr, following the success of their home renovation series.
Reasons for Passing on the Gig
Holden states she prefers staying with her current commitments. “I am already part of a big show, and I’ll happily carry on watching Strictly from the comfort of my lounge, but it takes up too many weekends. I’ve got to remember that I have children and a husband,” she said.
She emphasizes the need for fresh, unexpected hosts, particularly two women. “They need somebody super funny, and somebody that you wouldn’t expect,” Holden noted. She urges producers to avoid predictable choices and spotlight talented women who deserve recognition.
“It’s a really amazing job to sort of break two people that we might know but don’t know that well and push them up into the spotlight. There are so many people and women in our industry who have put all the work in, all the hours in, who deserve a bloody break. So often when I see lots of names attached to it, I think, boring, boring, boring. They’re all brilliant people but you go, ‘oh come on, think outside the box.’ It’s a really wonderful moment to put two strong women in a role on a Saturday night.”
Unexpected Hosting Picks
Holden nominates comedian Katherine Ryan and Daisy May Cooper as strong candidates. “I wonder about Katherine Ryan, I think she’s a good comedian, or Daisy May Cooper would be cool – they’re definitely established,” she said.
Other suggestions include Alex Jones and Zoe Ball. “I quite like the idea of Alex Jones as well. She does The One Show and is a very good anchor and has a dry sense of humour. She’s not been overlooked but you don’t see enough of her on TV, she would be a really good choice,” Holden added. “I love Zoe Ball in that sort of anchor role and then I think somebody should take a chance on a comedian, go and search Edinburgh Festival, make it be a prize!”
She highlights the importance of glamour in outfits for the role.
Britain’s Got Talent Highlights
Holden returns to the Britain’s Got Talent panel this Saturday with Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, and KSI, who replaces Bruno Tonioli. She praises KSI, real name Olajide Olatunji, for his direct feedback and energy. “Having KSI there, who’s very succinct in his answers and doesn’t hold back, has really helped the show,” she said. “Having KSI on the end is a stroke of genius. I just love him. He’s got great energy. He’s up for stuff. KSI and I socialise; it’s just heaven on a stick behind the scenes.”
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have also been impressed by the newcomer.
The opening episode showcases parkour dogs, an acrobat flipping flaming tables with her feet, and a giant dancing chicken. Holden describes the Blackpool audience as wildly enthusiastic. “They were wild — I’m going to say feral but in the best way possible. People were running down the aisles. We were doing non-stop selfies every day. That never happens in London — everyone follows the rules and sits in their seats. But in Blackpool everyone just went absolutely nuts. Screaming, booing if we didn’t press the golden buzzer.”
