amanda holden

BRAVE Amanda Holden takes to the Britain’s Got Talent red carpet wearing the top that almost saw her flash the show’s audience at auditions.

But an onlooker said the 54-year-old “was being much more careful this time round.”

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Show judge Amanda — in a lop-sided strapless top — nearly exposed herself by lifting her left arm to wave at the crowd as she strutted on stage at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Saturday.

After adjusting her clothes to preserve her modesty she sat down.

Then, gesturing to her boob, she admitted: “This keeps slipping out every time I raise my arms.”

Yesterday The Sun revealed a small production team were quickly put on “nipple watch” to ensure there were no surprise appearances during filming of the ITV ­talent contest.

Undeterred, Amanda wore the strapless top again.

Our observer reported: “She waved with her left hand, where her top had more coverage than on the right-hand side, and kept her other hand firmly in her pocket most of the time.

“Amanda didn’t want any wardrobe malfunctions again. She was probably already feeling the chill in blustery Blackpool.”

Also dressed for sunnier climes was head judge Simon Cowell in shades, and fellow panellist Alesha Dixon wearing sunglasses and a crop-top.

Only hosts Ant and Dec and new judge KSI — taking over from Bruno Tonioli — looked ready for Lancashire weather.

Auditions for the 19th series of BGT, due to air next year, continue in the seaside town until the end of this week.

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Amanda Holden has stepped up on Britain’s Got Talent after Simon Cowell’s illness forced him to miss the Birmingham auditions, with Stacey Solomon drafted in as a temporary replacement on the panel

Amanda Holden has been handed the role of head judge on Britain’s Got Talent after Simon Cowell was forced to withdraw from the Birmingham auditions due to illness.

Producers turned to Holden, 53, as the natural choice to lead the panel, given that she is the only judge who has remained on the show since its launch in 2007. Although Stacey Solomon was drafted in at short notice to replace Cowell during this week’s auditions at the Hippodrome, insiders stressed that Holden had earned the senior role.

A source revealed: “The producers were hugely grateful to Stacey for stepping in, particularly as it was at such short notice. What she did helped ensure the hundreds of audience members were not disappointed.

READ MORE: Stacey Solomon breaks silence on Britain’s Got Talent ‘dream’ job with one-word commentREAD MORE: Stacey Solomon joins Britain’s Got Talent after Simon Cowell health crisis

“But they also thought she shouldn’t just go straight into Simon’s seat as head judge and that Amanda had very much earned that right. And she seamlessly filled the role during the first batch of auditions on Friday, with Stacey slotting right in with fellow judges KSI and Alesha Dixon,” they told The Sun.

It is not the first time Cowell’s sudden departure has led to a reshuffle. When the music mogul left the panel last year after learning of the tragic death of former One Direction star Liam Payne, the then-newcomer Bruno Tonioli stepped in as head judge.

Tonioli has since departed from the programme altogether, replaced this year by KSI, after filming clashes with his role on Dancing with the Stars. Cowell’s absence was first confirmed on Thursday when production cancelled the initial day of auditions.

There were hopes he might recover quickly enough to return on Friday, but he remained unwell. Instead, Solomon took his seat on the panel – a full-circle moment given that Cowell himself auditioned her on The X Factor back in 2009. She finished third in that series but has since become a well-known TV presenter.

And Stacey has shared her excitement after her dream of becoming a judge on Britain’s Got Talent has come true. The Sort Your Life Out star took to Instagram on Friday to share a glimpse of the iconic set of the long-running ITV show after she was asked to step in as a guest judge last minute.

The mum-of-five, 35, took to her Instagram stories to post a picture of the iconic BGT stage with her name in lights. Instead of Simon Cowell’s name, Stacey’s name could be seen on the iconic stage. Alongside the picture, Stacey wrote: “What in the alternative universe is going on. A dream.”

Cowell’s condition has not been disclosed publicly, and it remains uncertain whether he will be fit enough to appear on the third and final day of Birmingham auditions.

Filming is scheduled to resume next week in Blackpool, with producers optimistic that Cowell will be well enough to reclaim his place at the judging desk.

Until then, Holden is firmly established as the figure leading the panel in his absence.

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EXCLUSIVE: Amanda Holden has opened up on her friend Alan Carr’s upcoming stint in the Celebrity Traitors castle

Amanda Holden has given her verdict on her friend Alan Carr‘s upcoming appearance on Celebrity Traitors.

Claudia Winkleman returns to the iconic Traitors castle in Inverness next Wednesday (October 8), alongside an all-star cast who are ready to play the ultimate game of deceit and betrayal.

Alongside Alan, the first celebrity series will feature Good Morning Britain host Kate Garraway, rugby star Joe Marler, presenter Clare Balding, legendary actor and comedian Stephen Fry and EastEnders star Tameka Empson.

While production for the new series was underway back in April, Amanda Holden shared her thoughts on her close friend Alan’s appearance on the hit reality show.

“He’s in the castle in Inverness as we speak!” she exclusively revealed on the set of her new BBC gameshow The Inner Circle.

“I think he’d be a terrible traitor and I think if they had any sense, that’s exactly what they’d make him be. It would be hilarious because he is rubbish at trying to keep secrets.

“He told me last year he was doing Traitors. It was like the biggest secret, I was like, ‘Shush, Alan!'”

Amanda’s new quiz show is reminiscent of The Traitors itself, with backstabbing and deceit at its core. BBC viewers will be treated to two versions of the quiz, which has the Britain’s Got Talent judge as its host.

The daytime game will see six contestants battle it out to outsmart and outwit the other players, while on Saturday nights, fans can tune in to see celebrities team up with members of the public to play.

During the game, the players will each be randomly assigned a secret stash of cash, anything between zero and £4,000 for daytime and £5,000 for the Saturday night show.

Each player only knows their value with no obligation to tell the truth as they get thrown into a battle of wits, nerve and strategic gameplay across a series of challenging rounds.

Speaking about the exciting concept of The Inner Circle, Amanda said: “It has elements of other shows that you might recognise; The Weakest Link, Traitors and Golden Balls with Jasper Carrot – all in one!

“It’s all about general knowledge and human nature… It’s complex but it’s fun!”

Amanda concluded: “It’s going to be glamorous and nail-biting with a real jeopardy at the end that I don’t think anybody is going to be expecting while they’re dunking their biscuits in a cuppa!

“The Saturday night takes the show up another level, just before Strictly. I’m their warm-up, which is just a brilliant place to be!”

The Inner Circle premieres on BBC One at 5.35pm on Saturday 4th October, while Celebrity Traitors premieres on BBC One at 9pm on Wednesday 8th October

MANY of us have been guilty of sneaking a glance at something we shouldn’t – but these unfortunate celebs were caught in the act.

This week Judge Rob Rinder was snapped copping an eyeful of Liz Hurley‘s cleavage at the National Television Awards.

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The TV presenter, 47, posed beside the actress, 60 – both of whom star in Channel 4’s new reality show The Inheritance – on the red carpet at the glitzy event.

Later on during the ceremony Rob – who was married to Seth Cumming from 2013 to 2018 – cracked a joke about her daringly low-cut dress.

While the duo presented the gong for Best Reality Competition, he couldn’t resist another look before telling Liz: “How marvellous it is that you are defying Newton’s Law of Physics. Well done to you!”

The Good Morning Britain star’s cheeky comment went down well, with the audience erupting into laughter.

Here we reveal the other brazen celebs who only had their own breast intentions at heart…

Morning peak

Outspoken Piers Morgan was caught sneaking a peek down Susanna Reid‘s top while presenting GMB back in 2016.

The presenter was admiring her purple dress, which had a cheeky slit down the front.

Piers quickly realised he’d put his foot in it, admitting: “I was just admiring my co-presenter.

“The camera caught me at a difficult moment… I looked over and looked down and before I knew it…”

He wasn’t the only person to appreciate Susanna’s low cut dress that day, with many viewers praising how she looked.

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Billionaire blunder

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Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, 40, landed himself in hot water when he was caught staring at fellow tech billionaire Jeff Bezos‘s fiancée’s chest.

The married social media magnate was snapped ogling Lauren Sanchez at President Trump’s inauguration in January this year – while her partner, 61, was stood right next to her.

Lauren, 55, hit headlines for her racy outfit at the swearing in, and it was later revealed her lingerie-style top was a $1,800 Alexander McQueen satin-trimmed bustier.

Mark – who wed Priscilla Chan, 40, in 2012 – raised more eyebrows less than 24 hours later when he ‘liked’ a photo of Lauren’s cleavage on her Instagram.

Fans were quick to mock the Meta founder, with one asking: “Will Zuck lose his Amazon Prime membership?”

Wedding leer

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While making a guest appearance on Good Morning Britain for the ‘wedding’ of Love Island stars Jessica Shears, 32, and Dom Lever, 34, telly host Jeremy Kyle was caught gawping at the bride’s breasts.

Given Jess was wearing a bikini for the live ceremony in 2018, her ample assets were on full display.

Viewers were quick to call him out, with one tweeting: “Jezza kopping a quick gorp at Jess’s t**s (sic).”

Another wrote: “Jeremy Kyle was staring at Jess’s boobs and it was disturbing.”

Jeremy, 60, had recently proposed to Vicky Burton, the former nanny of his kids, who he married in 2021.

Phwoar-lando

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Before Orlando Bloom, 48, and Katy Perry, 40, went their separate ways, the Lord of the Rings actor was caught with a wandering eye.

In September last year he was papped admiring Kim Kardashian‘s ample behind despite having his hand on fiancée Katy’s waist.

Fans were quick to criticise Orlando’s barely concealed stare at Kim, with one joking: “Maybe this is why they have been engaged for so long.”

Katy and Orlando went their separate ways in July this year, shortly after he was spotted having a cosy reunion with Kim at Jeff Bezos’ wedding.

Amanda’s Got Talent

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Simon Cowell, 65, clearly thought his Britain’s Got Talent co-host had talent(s) when he accompanied her to the British Academy Television Awards in 2010.

Amanda Holden, 54, had opted for a strapless gown, and Simon – who was at the time engaged to make-up artist Mezhgan Hussainy, 52 – couldn’t resist a glance at her bust.

The music mogul’s unfortunate moment was caught on camera – from multiple angles.

Though Amanda’s silver and white gown was fairly tame compared to the daring outfits she worn in more recent years.

Ola there!

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Dancer James Jordan, 47, was caught having a good look at Lisa Snowden‘s bosom – in a snap captured by his own wife.

The former Strictly Come Dancing professional was cosying up to the telly presenter, 53, at a bash in 2017.

Ola, 42, shared the photo of James gawping at Lisa’s chest on her Instagram story, captioned: “It’s my lovely Lisa Snowdon,” alongside a winking face.

The trio met after Lisa appeared on Strictly back in 2008 when she was partnered with Brendan Cole, 49.

Lady love

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It’s not just the famous blokes who appreciate the female form – in these amusing shots TV host Ellen DeGeneres, 67, was caught having a good inspection of Katy Perry’s boobs.

The women were at the Grammy Awards in 2013 when the talk show host was pictured ogling the I Kissed A Girl singer.

Standing arm in arm with her wife Portia de Rossi, 52, Ellen wasn’t shy about sharing her admiration.

Portia appeared to be find her spouse’s antics hilarious, while Ellen tweeted the photo with a birthday message for Katy captioned: “Happy birthday, @KatyPerry! It’s time to bring out the big balloons!”

It didn’t go down too well with fans, with some accusing Ellen of double standards, pointing out if it was a man who made the joke it would be seen as sexist.

Tucci close for comfort

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Anne Hathaway and Stanley Tucci became close while co-starring in The Devil Wears Prada back in 2006.

During filming Anne revealed that her co-star – then married to his now ex-wife Kate Tucci – had become obsessed with her breasts, and he was even spotted having a sly look down her plunging black dress while promoting the film.

Anne joked that Stanley kept elbowing her in the boobs, leading him to reportedly joke that she should stop “flinging those melons around like it’s harvest season”.

The joke doesn’t seem to have bothered either party as they’ve remained bosom buddies and are currently filming The Devil Wears Prada 2.

YOUTUBE star KSI has been announced as Bruno Tonioli’s replacement on Britain’s Got Talent – after Simon Cowell got advice from an unlikely source.

The head judge turned to his 11-year-old son Eric for advice about who should take over from the professional dancer who had to quit due to filming clashes with Dancing With The Stars in the US.

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Music mogul Simon was then convinced to give guest judge KSI, 32, a permanent spot on the panel by his little boy who’s a huge fan of the influencer.

A TV insider told The Sun: “Simon’s been friends with Bruno for over 35 years and loved working with him on BGT.

“It was really tough knowing he had to let Bruno go because they couldn’t get the filming dates to work out with his commitments on Dancing with the Stars.

“Simon is always looking for new ways to keep the show evolving and loves to get the opinion of his young son.

“Eric was a big influence for Simon in choosing Bruno’s replacement. He’s obsessed with him and adores him, KSI is Eric’s favourite influencer.

“Plus, he’s been such a hit as a guest judge and Simon recognises they need to keep the show different by moving forward to keep attracting the younger audience.

“Bruno was popular with the grannies, but KSI is for the youngsters.

“KSI has a huge social media presence and Simon knows how important it is to keep the show more modern.”

KSI also showed he had a real gift for spotting talent because it was his live show golden buzzer act, Harry Moulding, who was crowned winner of BGT, bagging the £250,000 cash prize and a place performing at the Royal Variety Performance.

After being confirmed as the new full-time judge, music artist and boxer KSI said: “I’m so grateful and happy to be a part of the Britain’s Got Talent team for another season.

“I had such a good time last year and I can’t wait to see some more top talent.

“I’m full of energy, ready to go, and can’t wait to make this the most entertaining BGT season ever. Let’s do this.”

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BGT fans have slammed the show after they say the wrong act was given the Golden Buzzer.

Fans of Britain’s Got Talent think that the show is “fix” after a magician, who had a “set-up” performance was awarded KSI’s Golden Buzzer – and nine-year-old gymnast, Binita.

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KSI was brought in as an extra judge on Saturday night for the semi-final alongside Simon Cowell, Bruno Tonioli, Alesha Dixon, and Amanda Holden.

He was given the power to press the infamous golden buzzer and send one act straight through to the show’s grand final.

At the start of the magic act, Harry Moulding claimed that he was “going to create a special moment of real magic for one person” in the audience.

The magic act was full of incredible tricks which involved pop star references and predictions before the live show.

His performance then ended with a lady being proposed to by her boyfriend, and KSI was so blown away that he pressed the Golden Buzzer.

But despite the judges being blown away by the performance, fans were quick to say it was a fix.

Fans took to X immediately, with one writing: “What the f*** do they expect him to do for the final now?? Biggest fix ever, magic my bloody a***.”

A second claimed: “Utterly rigged and the trick itself was too grand and ridiculous it shouldn’t even be called magic. I know exactly how he did it, it was rigged.”

And now fans have slammed the “biggest fix” and said that a different act deserved the Golden Buzzer over Harry.

Reacting to Harry getting the coveted Golden Buzzer over nine-year-old dancing sensation Binita, fans took to X to air their frustrations.

One person penned: “KSI gave a golden buzzer for this fake proposal while my little girl Binita was actually the star performer.”

Another said: “Binita was absolutely outstanding, unbelievable talent and only 9 years of age, simply incredible, wow. Definitely worthy of the golden buzzer, I hope she makes it to the final, she was sensational.”

“Binita should have had that golden buzzer,” fumed a third.

“Now BINITA deserved a golden buzzer!! Not that nonesense,” echoed a fourth.

Britain’s Got Talent’s biggest ‘fix’ rows

Britain’s Got Talent has been plagued with ‘fix’ rows over the years. How many of these do you remember?

Jasmine Elcock – 2016: Teenage singer Jasmine Elcock stunned the nation with her version of Cher’s Believe. But it then transpired she had already performed professionally in London’s West End. Jasmine, 14, admitted: “I’ve performed in Annie in the West End at about the age of nine or 10, but I really get nervous.”

IrShad Shaikh – 2017: BGT fans were left questioning the rule book when IrShad Shaikh auditioned. He got four red buzzers from the judges, which would usually mean an instant dismissal. Yet in a strange turn of events, they let him continue with his act…and put him through to the next round.

Colin Thackery – 2019: Elderly war veteran Colin won BGT in 2019, but there was an outcry over the final. He warbled his place to win with a version of We’ll Meet Again but fans were furious that escapologist Jonathan Goodwin didn’t even rank in the top three. Viewers felt Jonathan – who almost suffocated while being buried alive in a gravel pit – should have won.

Axel Blake – 2022: Comedian Axel Blake was given a Golden Buzzer in 2022 after making the judges laugh. But fans were fuming when they discovered Axel already had a show on worldwide streaming platform Amazon Prime. Despite this, Axel still went on to win the series.

Taryn Charles – 2024: Singer Taryn Charles is one of this year’s hopefuls lucky enough to receive the Golden Buzzer. Bruno Tonilio put her straight through to the semi-finals following her performance of (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin, but it has now come to light that she is no stranger to TV. Viewers recognised Taryn from an episode of ITV1’s Starstruck, where she impersonated Whitney Houston for judges Olly Murs, Sheridan Smith, Adam Lambert and Beverley Knight.

A fifth then wrote: “You can just tell the producers told KSI before the show to push the golden buzzer for the predictable magician act.

“Binita was the true star of the show and deserved the golden buzzer. Thank god the public voted her through.”

While a sixth said: “Little binita should have had that buzzer.”

And a seventh added: “And KSI golden buzzed a fake marriage proposal… 9 years old. Binita.”

Binita Chetry is just nine years of age and hails from Assam in India.

Showcasing her gymnastic skills on the hit talent show, Binita wowed the crowds during her audition has continued to do so throughout the competition.

Although she did not receive the last semi-final Golden Buzzer, she won the public vote, meaning she has sailed through to the grand finale.

Upon hearing the news of getting through to the final, Binita told hosts Ant and Dec how “thankful” she was.

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THE FULL list of finalists on Britain’s Got Talent has finally been revealed after a tense semi-final.

The last live show before the forthcoming ITV grand finale of the talent variety competition was filled with controversies.

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Ten acts have made it through to the highly-anticipated final show of Britain’s Got Talent.

For the first time, all of the performers will face the public vote after a number of Golden Buzzers sent contestants straight through.

The Blackouts, Olly Pearson, Jasmine Rice, Joseph Charm, and magician Harry Moulding were the acts to receive the five golden buzzers.

The acts who won each of the semi-final shows were Vinnie McKee, Stacey Leadbeatter, Ping Pong Pang and Hear Our Voice.

Eight-year-old singer Binita Chetry was the last artist announced to win the public vote.

This comes as the long-running variety competition was engulfed with controversy over the ‘biggest set up ever.‘

Harry Moulding claimed that he was “going to create a special moment of real magic for one person” at the start of his act.

The performance was full of incredible tricks which involved pop star references and predictions before the live show.

One contributor – who was also named Harry – appeared in a pre-recorded VT that was filmed in Paris.

His girlfriend Jess was sat in the audience and she was ‘randomly’ chosen by the magician to come onto the stage.

At the end of the clip, Harry miraculously appeared in front of Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli, Amanda Holden and KSI.

He got down on one knee and popped the question to his partner, who tearfully accepted.

After KSI chose to send the act straight through to the final with his Golden Buzzer, droves of viewers took to social media as they claimed the show was ‘rigged’.

Writing on X – formerly known as Twitter – one fan fumed: “Cowell said this boring idiot is the frontrunner – so if he wins (despite everyone watching losing the will to live) you’ll know that this trashy, s***** programme is fixed.”

A second claimed: “That was either an amazing magic trick or there was some absolute collusion going on there. Decent act but had to have been set up somehow.”

“What the f*** do they expect him to do for the final now?? Biggest fix ever, magic my bloody a***,” furiously wrote someone else.

As a fourth added: “Utterly rigged and the trick itself was too grand and ridiculous it shouldn’t even be called magic. I know exactly how he did it, it was rigged.”

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The final of Britain’s Got Talent will air on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday, May 31.

Amanda Holden is gracing our screens for Britain’s Got Talent and her new Netflix show. But away from TV fame, she has shared her beauty secrets and life at her ‘dream home’

Amanda Holden is back on our screens for Britain’s Got Talent as the final of the show fast approaches. But away from her hectic work life, including her new Netflix series, Cheat: Unfinished Business, which was released earlier this year, the TV presenter enjoys a slower pace back in her Surrey mansion.

The 54-year-old has been happily married to her music producer husband Chris Hughes for almost two decades, after they met in the United States. Together, they share two daughters, Lexi, 19, and 13-year-old Hollie.

Over the years, the Heart presenter has retained her bombshell status by keeping fit and up to date with the latest beauty treatments. She even revealed her favourite trick for staying youthful.

As she graces our screens, we’ve taken a glimpse into her lavish life – from her best beauty hacks to eye-watering net worth and family home life.

READ MORE: Britain’s Got Talent’s Susan Boyle makes ’emotional’ confession after six year break

Secret to ‘ever-evolving’ marriage

Amanda and Chris first met in the United States in 2003, and got married five years later at St Margaret’s Church in Somerset, followed by a reception at Babington House.

Despite being together for over two decades, she recently revealed why their relationship still feels so fresh. The mum of two explained how happy she is to be in a “lovely, secure relationship”.

She told Hello: “We have ups and downs like everyone else. But when I was looking at the pain and suffering that some of the people we were working with were going through, I felt so grateful that I had somebody in my life with no complications.”

The Britain’s Got Talent judge added: “My husband and I always have this joke where we go: ‘God, our relationship still feels so fresh. Twenty-two years does feel like a long time, but it still feels new to me. I think that’s because it’s ever-evolving.”

Facial she swears by

The TV star has revealed the £700 beauty treatment she swears has reversed her age. It involves sitting down for an hour to get micro-needling, and it’s not for the faint-hearted.

The process includes 24 coated pins which need to be penetrated into the subdermal tissue and coagulate the fat to remodel the face. She boasted about the “incredible” treatment on Instagram and said: “I’ve had collagen wave facials to smooth out my skin ever since @nilamholmes made it available at @dermaspa_mk. It has always given me an incredible lift.

“The other week before filming started on the @bgt live shows, Nilam suggested I try a new natural treatment called Morpheus8! The results have been absolutely amazing. I’ve noticed a real plumpness to my skin and it’s much tighter!”

Huge net worth

The glam radio presenter is not only back on Britain’s Got Talent, but is also co-presenting a new dating show with Married at First Sight star, Paul Bronson. Together, they invite estranged couples to have a second chance at love on Netflix.

With her multi-layered career continuing to grow, Amanda now has an impressive net worth of around £3.6 million. While her husband appears to have a net worth of £4.5 million.

She previously spoke about how Chris offers her stability and said: “He’s rubbish at romance, but he’s there for the solid things, such as keeping my car clean and making sure I relax. He’s a proper bloke who looks after me. I’m a strong, opinionated woman, but he helps steer the Mandy ship.”

‘Dream home’

Amanda and Chris reside in the charming village of Cobham in their lavish Surrey mansion, which is thought to be worth around £7 million. Describing her home, she previously told Mail Online: “This is my dream home. My entire life I have wanted the dream home, and you know you do the stepping up and now I’ve finally got it.”

Amanda also shared with The Mirror: “I am house proud, but I’ve got two kids, two dogs and a cat, so it’s a family house. Everything is washable and wipeable. It’s so open plan my littlest can cycle her bike around.

“I don’t have carpets on the ground floor and this is disgusting but I was doing an interview a while ago and my puppy pooed on the floor during the chat. But you don’t worry if you have wooden floors. Two words: wipe clean.”

READ MORE: Amanda Holden wears ‘Aperol Spritz’ orange mini dress she raves is ‘gorgeous’ and it’s in stock

The latest season of Britain’s Got Talent has triggered a surge of complaints from fans. But judge Bruno Tonioli has recently spoken against the critics in a defiant move.

Britain’s Got Talent recently attracted a series of complaints from viewers – but judge Bruno Tonioli has decided not to focus on the criticism and recommends critics “read a book.”

The final of the ITV programme airs on Saturday, May 31st – and judge Bruno Tonioli already knows who has stolen his heart. “We’ve had a variety of talent this year. The Blackouts are insane,” he says.

But it’s drag soprano Jasmine Rice who has his vote. He was so moved by her audition, he hit the Golden Buzzer. “That performance was absolutely incredible for me,” he says, “That was the most surprising, somebody that really rises to the occasion and exceeds all expectations.”

Jasmine, who spoke openly about the rejection she’s faced for performing in drag, struck a deep chord with Bruno, 69. “Being able to be calm and communicate a message without bitterness and with hope, determination – that’s very valid. I found those moments special.”

Still, BGT isn’t without its controversies. Auditions from stuntman Auzzy Blood and nudist Akira both drew Ofcom complaints earlier this year.

The semi-finals added more after Bao Cuong pulled hosts Ant & Dec on a motorbike using only his eyelids. But Bruno shrugs it off. “I don’t focus on the negative,” he says. “Social media? Forget it. ‘Life is too short,’ he adds, ‘Read a book!’”

He’s more concerned about the impact social media can have on younger generations. “If I had kids, I’d be petrified,” he says. “It’s an alternative universe. It can be fun, but we need strict guidelines, especially for children.”

READ MORE: Weight loss method backed by Dr Michael Mosley and loved by Davina McCall

Bruno doesn’t always see eye-to-eye with the other BGT judges – Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden – but he takes it in stride.

“Shows give you a range of opinions,” he says. “I may have a certain angle but I never said I am absolutely right. I only point things out. That’s why the judges are there. The decision is ultimately made by the public.”

Still, he and Simon go way back. “We’ve been friends for 40 years,” Bruno says, brushing off any on-air tension. “When you’re on-screen, you play a role,” Bruno says. “We’re both very laid-back people, actually. He’s very easy-going. But on TV, you become an extension of yourself.”

That goes for Amanda and Alesha, too. He’s particularly fond of Amanda, whom he’s known for years, but his bond with Alesha also goes beyond BGT.

The pair first met when she competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2007. Back then, Bruno was a judge on the BBC One staple. Alesha eventually joined him on the panel.

“Alesha was one of our best winners. We have the biggest giggles,” Bruno says. “Though I probably exhaust her – I’m always distracting her!”

What keeps Bruno grounded is his own past – he’s stood in the shoes of every hopeful auditioning. “I have done what they do. I have done auditions and failed them,” he says. “But you learn from your failures when you take it as a way of understanding what you should do to improve.”

And he knows what it means to stand on the Royal Variety Performance stage – the prize waiting for this year’s winner plus £250,000 cash. “I’ve done it quite a few times over the years,” he says.

“Both as a choreographer and a performer.” He’s even had the chance to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla. “They’re both the most wonderful people,” Bruno says. “And she loves dancing. She has a really good sense of humour, there’s that twinkle in her eye that I find delicious. She’s cool!”

As the final looms, Bruno’s already feeling the heat – and the hilarity. This year’s top acts are a testament to BGT ’s chaotic charm: from LED dance crew The Blackouts to 11-year-old guitar prodigy Olly Pearson.

Other acts in the final include soulful singer Vinnie McKee, ping pong dancing troupe Ping Pong Pang, comedian Joseph Charm and Maya Giotea – another Golden Buzzer pick from Bruno.

Bruno’s energy remains undimmed. He’d even love to explore acting – ideally as a villain. “I’d love to do dramas because it’s another part of me,” he says.

“I’d love to play a real baddie. I love Guy Ritchie’s works, they’re brilliant and edgy. But I’m not one of those people that call their agent 25 times a day. I’ve never even had a PR or a social media manager!”

Off-screen, Bruno enjoys a quiet life. “Every Saturday, I’m in my garden. I love gardening, and I cook!” he says. But this Saturday, it’s all eyes on the BGT stage and with the knockout finalists vying for the crown, anything could happen. But who will win the nation’s heart?

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