Amanda’s career HIGHS AND LOWS

She may be one of the biggest names on TV, but that wasn’t always the case for BGT’s Amanda Holden

- GERAINT LLEWELLYN

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.

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.

EMPRESS OF THE AIRWAVES