Amanda Holden's co-presenter has jokingly suggested she ought to be replaced after their morning radio programme took a "dark turn." Jamie Theakston made the comments as the broadcasting duo discussed the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and the tradition of "random animals" predicting football results.
Psychic pets and a dark turn
They referenced Paul the Octopus, the now-legendary cephalopod who forecast match outcomes at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa by selecting a mussel from boxes bearing the teams' national flags. He correctly identified Spain as the winner while also predicting all seven of Germany's results. A number of other animals have since attempted to forecast football results in major tournaments with varying levels of success.
Speaking on Heart Breakfast on Monday (June 8), Amanda and Jamie revealed that the station was on the hunt for a UK pet with comparable abilities. However, as they shared a playful exchange about the search, the conversation took a "dark turn."
Amanda's longevity comment sparks joke
Amanda said: "The more unusual pets are welcome, but you know, we'll accept dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters...they've gotta last, though. They have to last...I mean, hamsters..." Jamie replied: "Last? What are you talking about?" She said: "Well, you know what I mean. They've got to sort of...we need a pet with longevity."
He then enquired whether she meant they would need to last the "duration of the tournament." When Amanda confirmed that was precisely what she meant, Jamie quipped: "This has taken a turn." Laughing, she continued: "I don't know why I'm saying that. I'm very well aware that we're on the school run, so I'm not gonna go down that dark, dark hole." Jamie responded that there was "no need" and encouraged his co-star to explain how listeners could register their pets. He added: "If anyone's got a myna bird that we can do the show with me, that would really help."
Amanda's unconventional celebrity crushes
This follows Amanda's revelation about her "unconventional" celebrity crushes on a previous episode of the programme, where she admitted having a soft spot for what she termed "follically challenged men." Among the famous figures mentioned were Owen Wilson, Jack Nicholson, Thomas Sweeney, Peter Dinklage and Stephen Graham. She also revealed she fancied Grand Designs' Kevin McCloud.
As it happened, Kevin was heading to the studio. She said: "You are lying! Oh my god. How did you get him in?" Upon his arrival, Amanda embraced Kevin, adding: "Look how wonderful he dresses as well, he's such a smart, snappy dresser." Kevin joked: "Look, I know you call it unconventional and not weird, but I think it's a bit weird." Amanda replied: "It's not weird, I've seen you on a bike as well, he's very fit. I lost my mind, he cycled past me once on the streets of London." Kevin playfully added: "I've been thinking about it on the way and I decided not to turn back. It's a beautiful moment."
