Amanda Holden fought back tears live on air as she reflected on a "sad" memory. Her admission came as she spoke about the possible return of a classic children's show after 38 years. Play School ran from 1964 until 1988, and is now reportedly being considered for a BBC revival.
The BBC has asked production firms to pitch ideas for a modern audience, including a refreshed take on the show's toy characters in a "contemporary capacity". Any new episodes are slated for a 14-minute run time.
Retro TV discussion sparks emotional moment
Amanda and Heart Breakfast co-host Jamie Theakston chatted about the revival on today's broadcast (September 28). It sparked a wider discussion about other retro shows that might be ripe for a revamp, such as Ivor the Engine and The Bill.
Black Beauty also came up, with Jamie saying it had the "greatest theme tune". Amanda said: "What about Black Beauty? This is the one I can't read because I can't...I can't believe I've even read it out. I can't do it."
Amanda's reaction to the music
Jamie explained that he forgot that Anna Sewell's classic tale about a young, carefree colt and its transition to becoming a working horse in Victorian England always makes Amanda cry.
She said: "It sends me off. It's just terrible. You played it while I was riding a unicorn in Leicester Square. It took the edge off it for me."
Jamie then played the music as Amanda pleaded with him not to. "It's just so sad", she observed. He asked if she had "any tears". Amanda said: "They're starting. They're prickling. Yeah, let's move on."
Asked if they were "happy tears", Amanda added sadly: "It's just the music."
Monty Don replacement suggestion
In other news, Amanda put forward a name as a possible replacement for Monty Don on the BBC's Gardeners' World. Earlier this month, the beloved presenter revealed that the current series of the show will be his last after 23 years.
At the time, Monty said: "That connection with millions, not just in Britain but across the world, who share a love of gardens, plants and the natural world is something I have always treasured and which I increasingly believe to be at the heart of a life well lived."
Amanda thinks avid gardener and former Jonathan Creek star Caroline Quentin could be just the ticket. Speaking to Jamie on a separate instalment of the radio show, Amanda said she's "fascinating".
"People might not know this, she's fascinating, she's funny, she's an actress, she knows a lot about gardening and growing things. I've known her for years and I follow her on Instagram and she's also an amazing artist, so she paints a lot of flowers and vegetables and things but she'd be really good."
Jamie said Monty would be missed and that he had "big hands". Amanda: "Oh yeah, Caroline's got big hands, she'll be alright", adding: "She's going to hate me for that!"
