Amanda Holden: ‘My daughter’s not a nepo baby – her success is nothing to do with me’

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What’s the view from your sofa?

I own a really vibrant, paprika orange sofa – my husband, music producer Chris Hughes, was quite shocked when I brought it home! – and the wall opposite it is basically a media center. I hired a skilled carpenter to build some shelves and paint them green. Now I have lots of interesting items displayed on the shelves – and right in the center, a large television.

Who controls the remote?

My kids are constantly watching shows on Netflix and YouTube, and all the other streaming services. It’s completely messed up my recommendation algorithm! I’m seeing things like Wednesday and I Know What You Did Last Summer – or possibly The Summer I Turned Pretty – shows that have absolutely nothing to do with what I actually like.

Was there a summer you turned pretty?

There was not! I had braces and a cowlick for years.

Is watching television a communal activity in your house?

Yes, she is a relative, but that doesn’t affect my situation. While the term “nepo baby” is often used, it’s unfair to apply it in the entertainment industry. When I was younger, I secured a job at a fruit and vegetable shop because my mother knew the owner. If you have connections that could help your child, you’d do everything you could to assist them. However, they also need talent, resilience, and a strong work ethic to achieve success. I’m incredibly proud of my daughter; she’s balancing work with Storm, alongside two other jobs while she’s at university. She’ll graduate without any debt, which is fantastic. It’s a real achievement. And it’s not just about who you know.

Did you always want to work in showbusiness?

My mum tells me I’ve always dreamed of being an actor. As a kid, I used to put on performances in our garden, creating posters and putting them up on the telegraph poles around our neighborhood. My parents didn’t have much money, so I couldn’t attend any extra classes. Then, incredibly, when I was nine years old, a woman moved to Bishop’s Waltham [Hampshire], my hometown, and started an amateur dramatics group.

Honestly, I really miss performing on stage. People keep asking me to do things – even West End shows – but with everything else I’m committed to, especially my radio show, it’s just impossible to fit in eight performances a week. But I definitely plan on getting back to it eventually. You know, being nominated for an Olivier Award for Thoroughly Modern Millie – my first big show – was incredible. Even though I didn’t win, that nomination was probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

Tell us about your new show, The Inner Circle.

You know, when I think about what I love in a good game show, it really comes down to general knowledge combined with that crucial question: “who do you trust?” It’s a blend of shows I adore – a little bit of the tension from Weakest Link, the social deduction of Traitors, the boldness of Golden Balls, the energy of Runaround, and just a little bit of sparkle! That’s basically my taste – that’s me!

Are you competitive?

Absolutely! I enjoy being successful. I don’t believe everyone should receive a reward just for participating – there should be clear winners, like first, second, and third place. That’s just how life works. It seems we’re becoming increasingly lenient, and I don’t agree with that trend.

It’s funny, I’ve been getting a lot of attention again lately, now that I’m in my 50s – it’s a really strange, but amazing feeling! You know, I’ve been thinking about why, and I think it comes down to a few things. I’ve always just tried to be myself, to be authentic. I’ve never intentionally been mean to anyone, and I’ve never let an ego get in the way. I honestly never thought I was better than anyone else. And honestly, being reliable is huge – I’ve always made sure to show up on time for everything. That’s just important, no matter what you do.

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2025-09-30 03:08