Amanda Holden Declines Strictly Come Dancing Hosting Opportunity
Television personality Amanda Holden has publicly disclosed her reasons for ultimately rejecting the opportunity to present Strictly Come Dancing alongside her close friend Alan Carr. The Britain's Got Talent judge, who recently celebrated her 55th birthday, provided exclusive comments to the Daily Mail regarding the coveted BBC presenting role.
Advocating for Fresh Female Talent
Holden expressed her strong belief that BBC executives should replace current presenters Tess Daly, 56, and Claudia Winkleman, 54, with either an unknown television personality or a rising star within the industry. She emphasized that the prestigious position should remain in female hands following the highly successful tenure of the current hosting duo.
The Heart Breakfast presenter admitted feeling underwhelmed by the rumoured shortlist of potential candidates, which reportedly includes established names such as Bradley Walsh, Holly Willoughby, and Alison Hammond. Despite being considered the broadcaster's first choice alongside Alan Carr following their successful BBC travel series Amanda & Alan's Greek Job, Holden has clarified why the glittering primetime role does not align with her current commitments.
Personal and Professional Priorities
'I am already part of a major television show, and I will happily continue watching Strictly from the comfort of my living room, but the position requires too many weekend commitments,' Holden explained. 'I must remember that I have children and a husband who require my attention.'
She continued: 'My primary hope is that they maintain two female presenters. That remains my fundamental position. They require someone exceptionally humorous and someone viewers would not necessarily anticipate in such a role.'
Championing Emerging Talent
Holden articulated her conviction that the coveted Strictly Come Dancing presenting role should not simply go to established celebrities but rather to emerging talents who have demonstrated dedication and earned such a prominent opportunity through hard work.
'It represents a truly remarkable opportunity to elevate two individuals whom audiences might recognize but not know intimately, propelling them into the spotlight,' she elaborated. 'Numerous women within our industry, without becoming overly political, have invested countless hours and effort, genuinely deserving a significant breakthrough.'
'Frequently, when I observe various names associated with the position, I consider them predictable and uninspired,' Holden added. 'They are all accomplished individuals, but I believe producers should think more creatively beyond conventional choices.'
Specific Recommendations for Successors
If granted decision-making authority, Holden stated she would install two humorous women at the helm of Strictly Come Dancing. She specifically mentioned comedians Katherine Ryan and Daisy May Cooper as potentially excellent choices, describing both as firmly established within their fields.
Additionally, she suggested Alex Jones from The One Show as another ideal candidate, praising her anchoring abilities and dry sense of humour while noting she appears insufficiently on television screens currently.
'I appreciate the concept of Alex Jones as well,' Holden remarked. 'She demonstrates strong anchoring skills with a dry comedic sensibility. I believe she remains somewhat underutilized on television and would represent an outstanding selection.'
She emphasized the importance of glamour within the role, noting: 'You must consider the outfits extensively. I admire Zoe Ball in that anchoring capacity, and I believe producers should consider taking a chance on a comedian, perhaps scouting talent at the Edinburgh Festival and making it a competitive prize.'
Britain's Got Talent Commitment
Holden returns to the Britain's Got Talent judging panel for her eighteenth consecutive year, having participated in the original lineup when the program launched in 2007. Her unwavering dedication to this role means she will not join Claudia Winkleman on the upcoming series of Celebrity Traitors despite circulating rumours, citing scheduling conflicts with Britain's Got Talent filming.
'I will simply state that I cannot participate because it would require missing three Saturday nights on Britain's Got Talent,' she revealed. 'While I feel flattered by the invitation, I will not appear at the roundtable unless production schedules change. Additionally, I do not particularly fancy staying at a hotel near Inverness Airport.'
Fashion and Panel Dynamics
Each year, Holden generates headlines with her glamorous and frequently daring outfits during Britain's Got Talent live broadcasts, and she confirms this year will prove no exception. She declared there will be 'side boob, leg, and anything else I can showcase' during the upcoming season.
The judging panel welcomes KSI as a permanent addition, replacing former Strictly star Bruno Tonioli. Holden disclosed that she and KSI have developed perhaps the closest relationship on the panel, joking that their twenty-three-year age difference makes her feel like his 'nan.'
She praised Simon Cowell for maintaining the program's relevance and attracting new audiences, stating: 'I consistently embrace reinvention, which represents the most crucial aspect within this industry. I follow contemporary trends while retaining my sense of humour.'
Simon Cowell's Evolution
Holden also commented on Simon Cowell's professional evolution from his X Factor era, describing him as more relaxed, humorous, and generous toward contestants. She observed that fatherhood has softened his demeanor while he remains committed to discovering new talent.
'Simon represents the king of reinvention and innovation,' Holden asserted. 'The musical landscape has transformed significantly since The X Factor days. Building success requires more time to establish solid foundations within today's streaming-dominated music environment.'
She concluded: 'Simon undoubtedly possesses a long-term strategic plan. His mind never ceases working, and he maintains remarkable optimism about life, which constitutes a wonderful quality to embody.'
