Amanda Holden has spoken exclusively to the Mirror about the profound support she has received from her Britain's Got Talent co-star Alesha Dixon during her most challenging times. The 55-year-old television personality described how their friendship has deepened over the years, evolving into a special pact that has seen them through personal tragedies.
A Lifeline in Dark Times
Holden recounted the difficult moments when Alesha's presence was invaluable. "I lost a baby during the show, I was hospitalised, there's been those moments where you need a female next to you," she explained. "With the best will in the world, you've got the likes of Simon, a wonderful man and sympathetic, but you just want that girl next to you who knows and understands why you might need a chocolate bar, an aspirin or a trip to the toilet."
In 2012, Holden's heart stopped for 40 seconds during the traumatic birth of her daughter Hollie. She suffered a hemorrhage, lost a significant amount of blood, and was described as "moments from death." The previous year, she tragically lost her son Theo, who was stillborn at seven months.
A Pact of Unity
Holden revealed that she and Dixon made a pact when Dixon joined the show, vowing to stick together despite industry pressures. "As much as the world is evolving, people still try to pit women up against each other, which is super old-fashioned and sad," Holden said. "I've got two girls, and I am absolutely not going to have that as an example to them. I think that the more we stick together and we say, we are not going down that route, the better for all women."
She emphasised that women are "not competition for each other" and that they confronted the prospect of being pitted against each other head-on. "At the beginning we had to be strong and united and confront the prospect we would be pitted against each other head on and then there was nowhere for anybody in the background to make that narrative happen," she added.
Growing Closer Through Motherhood
Holden, who has daughters Lexi, 20, and Hollie, 14, with husband Chris Hughes, said their shared experience of motherhood has strengthened their bond. Dixon has two children, Azura, 11, and Anaya, five. "I think it's really grown over the years. We're always on the same page, we have loads in common. We even went on a little mini break. Alesha came out to join me with her kids for a few days this year which was a first for both of us and so lovely to have her properly with me on holiday," Holden shared.
She added: "I think we've just got closer and closer as the years have gone on, especially through motherhood. She is the sort of person I could ring if I had a problem going on or an emergency and I know she'd be there for me."
Alesha's Perspective
Dixon reciprocated the sentiment, describing Holden as a true friend. "Amanda, from day one, before we even filmed our first day of auditions, called me. We went out for coffee and we made a pact to always be united. We've always had that understanding from day one. It's never been compromised. If anything, it's got stronger," she said.
"Over the years, we have only grown closer, and I truly love her as a friend. I feel very blessed to have the friendship we share."
However, Dixon noted one downside: Holden's ability to lead her astray on a night out. "Whenever I socialise with Amanda, I have to be careful, but it depends where we're going. If I took her out with me and my mates, she wouldn't be going home till six in the morning. However, if I'm out with her… she can party hard! Everybody that knows Amanda knows she's the hostess with the mostest. She's brilliant at that. In our own group of friends we're both the life and soul of the party, but she's great fun. She's got the wickedest sense of humour."
Britain's Got Talent Live Semi-Finals begin Saturday at 7pm on ITV1.
