Amanda Holden Issues Profuse Apology to Morgan Freeman After 'Plonker' Comment
Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden has made a public U-turn and apologised after branding Hollywood icon Morgan Freeman "a plonker" during a radio discussion. The incident unfolded on Heart Radio this week, where Holden and co-host Jamie Theakston were asking listeners which celebrity they believed could lead Earth in an alien invasion scenario.
Radio Discussion Takes Unexpected Turn
When a listener suggested Morgan Freeman as a potential leader, citing his authoritative voice, Theakston recalled interviewing the actor and questioning his choice of jewellery. "I interviewed him once, he was wearing a sort of dangly earring and I was thinking, what's that all about?" Theakston told Holden. The Britain's Got Talent judge immediately chimed in, revealing she had seen the same interview and had a strong reaction.
"I saw that and I sort of, I'm going to say, I lost a little bit of respect [for him] because he just looked like a bit of a plonker," Holden confessed. While emphasising her admiration for Freeman as an actor, she questioned his fashion choice, asking: "I love him and he's an amazing actor, but why are you wearing that silly Pat Butcher earring?"
Remembering the Poignant Reason Behind the Jewellery
The conversation took a dramatic turn moments later when Holden suddenly remembered the true significance behind Freeman's earring. In 2019, the Oscar-winning actor had revealed that he wears gold jewellery for a deeply personal reason, explaining: "The truth is, these are worth just enough for someone to buy me a coffin if I die in a strange place. That's why sailors used to wear them and that's why I do."
This revelation prompted an immediate change of heart from Holden, who offered a sincere apology on air. "I apologise profusely to Morgan Freeman now. I don't think he's a plonker anymore, I think he's very savvy," she stated, completely retracting her earlier criticism.
Hollywood Interview Difficulties Discussed
The radio segment also touched upon other Hollywood stars who have been labelled as challenging interviewees. Earlier this month, chat show host Graham Norton identified Mark Wahlberg as his worst guest ever, describing a particularly awkward experience where the actor fell asleep on the couch during filming.
Norton elaborated at the Henley Literary Festival 2025, explaining that Wahlberg didn't appear intoxicated when he arrived but that "whatever the hell was in his system really took hold" about fifteen minutes into the show, creating what Norton described as "hell" for the production team.
Meanwhile, Britain's Got Talent continues to air on ITV and ITVX, with Holden maintaining her judging role on the popular talent competition despite the radio controversy.
