TV and radio presenter Amanda Holden has spoken candidly about the 'weird' adjustment to a major family change, as her eldest daughter leaves home for university.
Life After Lexi Flies the Nest
During a conversation on her Heart Radio show with co-hosts Jamie Theakston and Ashley Roberts, the 54-year-old discussed Hollywood star Gwyneth Paltrow's comments about her own empty nest. Amanda admitted she could relate, as her daughter Lexi – who turns 20 on Wednesday, 21 January – has recently moved out to begin her studies.
"I feel her pain," Amanda said. "Lexi's at uni, there are three of us just sitting down having dinner, it feels weird." The household now consists of Amanda, her husband Chris Hughes, and their 13-year-old daughter, Hollie.
A Furry Solution to an Empty House
Rather than dwell on the quiet, Amanda has a novel plan to make her home feel fuller again. Speaking to Jamie, who has teenage children himself, she revealed her intention to expand her family – but not in the way he initially thought.
"I'm looking to extend my brood. My husband is gulping but I want to get another dog," she explained. When Jamie joked she meant having another child, Amanda clarified: "No, but it's the same thing, another furry baby. We've got a nice home, we've got a good garden, let's rescue another one."
The family already includes rescue dog Rudie and cats Muffy and Bolt. Amanda made a playful on-air plea to her husband, saying: "if he's listening... it'll be very difficult for him to turn me down."
A Family Wish and a Personal Loss
The discussion led Amanda to reflect on her family with Chris. Alongside their two daughters, the couple suffered the tragic loss of their son, Theo, who was stillborn in 2011.
She shared a poignant regret, stating: "Oh I would've had loads if I had met Chris earlier, I would've had loads. I would've gone for four I think, but yeah I'm going to say we had three, we ended up with two if you know what I mean."
Her current focus, however, is on providing a loving home for more rescue animals, hoping to bring a new puppy into the fold to help fill the space left by her daughter's departure.
