Amanda Holden's co-star jokingly suggested that she should be replaced after their morning radio programme took a 'dark turn'. Jamie Theakston made the comments as the pair chatted about the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and the tradition of 'random animals' forecasting football results.
They mentioned Paul the Octopus, the now-famous sea creature who predicted match outcomes at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa by selecting a mussel from boxes adorned with the teams' national flags. He accurately picked Spain as the champions while also predicting all seven of Germany's results. A variety of other animals have since attempted to predict football results in major tournaments with mixed success.
Speaking on Heart Breakfast yesterday (Monday, June 8), Amanda and Jamie disclosed that the station was on the hunt for a UK pet with similar talents. But as they exchanged playful banter about the search, things took a 'turn'.
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 responded: '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 queried if she meant they would need to last the 'duration of the tournament'. When Amanda confirmed that was what she meant, Jamie jested: 'This has taken a turn.' Laughing, she added: '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-host to inform listeners how they could register their pets. He said: 'If anyone's got a myna bird that we can do the show with me, that would really help.'
This follows Amanda revealing her 'unconventional' celebrity crushes on a different episode of the show, confessing she has a soft spot for what she termed as 'follically challenged men'. Among the celebrities she named were Owen Wilson, Jack Nicholson, Thomas Sweeney, Peter Dinklage and Stephen Graham. She also admitted to having a crush on Grand Designs' Kevin McCloud.
As it turned out, Kevin was en route to the studio. She exclaimed: 'You are lying! Oh my god. How did you get him in?' Upon his arrival, Amanda embraced Kevin, commenting: 'Look how wonderful he dresses as well, he's such a smart, snappy dresser.' Kevin quipped: 'Look, I know you call it unconventional and not weird, but I think it's a bit weird.'
Amanda retorted: '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 humorously added: 'I've been thinking about it on the way and I decided not to turn back. It's a beautiful moment.'
