Since his triumphant victory in the inaugural series of Celebrity Traitors, Alan Carr has experienced a significant surge in his showbusiness profile, finding himself positioned near the top of the entertainment A-list. The comedian and presenter has revealed that major streaming platforms have approached him with numerous work offers, while his social media following has grown substantially, now approaching two million dedicated followers.
A Friendship That Transcends Conventional Partnerships
Despite his newfound celebrity status, Carr remains deeply connected to his established circle of friends, particularly maintaining a close bond with fellow television personality Amanda Holden. While discussing his upcoming 50th birthday celebrations, Carr outlined plans for three separate events: an intimate gathering for family and close friends, a second function for industry contacts, and a final large-scale party for everyone else. "And I just know Amanda Holden is going to come to all three," he confirmed in an interview with The Times.
The 'Partner' Without Romance
Currently single, Carr has developed such a profound connection with Holden that he describes her as his other half. "I don't need a partner. She is my partner," he declared, before adding with characteristic humour: "The sex is awful." This playful admission highlights the purely platonic nature of their deep friendship while acknowledging its partnership-like qualities.
Holden, however, remains determined to help Carr find romantic companionship and recently assisted him in joining a dating application. "Amanda is an ally of the LGBTQI community but even she was shocked because I think she thinks gay dating is like straight dating," Carr explained. "She said, 'Alan, they were asking for the length of your penis!' She's very worldly and very fun, Amanda. But in the world of gay dating she is a novice."
Reconciliation and Supportive Friendships
Other notable friends likely to attend Carr's birthday celebrations include singer Paloma Faith, who has apparently forgiven him for his dramatic betrayal during Celebrity Traitors when he eliminated her from the competition. Carr revealed they have since reconciled, stating on the Graham Norton Show: "I've seen her – it was very harsh and so grim killing her, but we are friends again now."
Adele's Emotional Stay
Another significant friendship in Carr's life is with global superstar Adele, who once stayed in his spare room following an emotionally challenging breakup. Carr recalled that the singer "hibernated" in the room for such an extended period that he began to worry about her wellbeing. "Although she had purged her feelings in 21 she was still cut up about her ex and completely inconsolable," he explained.
In his memoir, Alanatomy, Carr documented becoming increasingly concerned when neither he nor his then-partner Paul Drayton had seen Adele for several days. When Drayton suggested checking on her, Carr responded: "'I daren't. What if she's dead? We looked at each other. Just out of interest, if the world's biggest star dies in your house, does the price go up or down? I'm asking for a friend. Would we get a plaque? Could we turn it into a museum? Would we have busloads of Adele fans tying wreaths to our knocker?'"
Adele eventually emerged from her self-imposed isolation and later officiated at Carr and Drayton's wedding ceremony, which took place at her Los Angeles residence in January 2018. The couple announced their separation in January 2022 after thirteen years together and three years of marriage, describing their decision as "joint and amicable" despite reports suggesting that Drayton's struggles with alcohol contributed to their parting.
A Support System in Changing Times
This context helps explain why Holden is now actively encouraging her close friend – who has recently ascended to A-list status – to re-enter the dating scene. As Carr navigates both his increased celebrity and personal changes, his friendship with Holden provides a consistent source of support, humour, and companionship that transcends conventional relationship boundaries while occasionally revealing its limitations in unexpected ways.
