In an exclusive reveal ahead of the much-anticipated return of Britain’s Got Talent for its 18th series, Simon Cowell has opened up about the enduring appeal of judge Amanda Holden, according to the Independent. The talent show, a flagship program on ITV, continues to thrive, thanks in no small part to Holden’s infectious passion and unwavering commitment, qualities that have earned her the title of the show’s “queen.”
Since joining the panel at the inception of Britain’s Got Talent in 2007, Amanda Holden has become the longest-serving judge, weathering numerous changes in the judging lineup alongside the ever-present Simon Cowell himself. Speaking candidly to the press, Cowell attributed her enduring success to one simple quality: her genuine love for the acts.
He remarked, “Simple, she loves the acts. That’s her. She honestly loves it.” He continued, “You know, every time I talk to her it makes me laugh because I say, ‘You are loving this, aren’t you?’ because there are days where I’m knackered and there’s still an hour to go.” Reflecting on their interactions, he added, “Wow, it’s been a long day.” And she’s like, ‘Yeah, but it’s brilliant, isn’t it?’ She is our Britain’s Got Talent queen and she deserves that crown.”
The backstory of Amanda’s appointment is equally intriguing. Cowell recalled that Holden was not initially the first choice for the judging panel. The role had been offered to pop star Cheryl Cole, a name well-known in those early days. However, fate took an unexpected turn when Cole withdrew from the project at the last minute. “She was an interesting booking because we’d offered the role to Cheryl Cole, as she was known in those days.
“A week before filming, she calls me and goes, ‘I just can’t do it’ and wouldn’t give me a reason. I think she was freaked out. We literally had two judges and a week to book someone. “I just knew it had to be Amanda because I’d met her and I really liked her, she was very funny and I just thought she’d fit the show perfectly. Fast forward 18 years and she’s still a huge success and we have become great friends.”
The camaraderie on the panel extends beyond the camera. Cowell emphasized that the chemistry among the judges is a key ingredient in the show’s continued success. “Alesha and Bruno are genuinely friends in real life too.
“We do like each other at work but also in our private lives. There’s this amazing shorthand with us, and I’d say that is definitely the case with me and Ant and Dec too.” He added with a chuckle, “I laugh at weird things, I have a very strange sense of humor. And I look at Ant and Dec and they are literally bent over laughing too. And I’m thinking, ‘It really is that funny.’ I’ve got a unique rapport with them.”
For Amanda Holden, reaching the 18th season is a milestone that fills her with gratitude and excitement. “Well, I’m just thrilled to still be here first of all!” she gushed. Reflecting on her long journey with the show, she added, “The number of people who came on this year and said they remember watching it when they were five or very young, I was like, ‘God, I feel old!’ But it’s amazing to have reached this milestone and I still have the honor of being on the panel.” With such heartfelt endorsements from both peers and fans alike, it is clear that Amanda Holden’s reign on Britain’s Got Talent is far from over.
