Amanda Holden has shared what she describes as a 'very controversial' secret to maintaining her 17-year marriage to husband Chris Hughes. The Britain's Got Talent judge, 54, married Hughes in Somerset in 2008, and the couple recently celebrated their anniversary.
Speaking to Closer Magazine, Holden emphasised the importance of prioritising the marital relationship over children. 'Everyone gets wrapped up with their children and their schedules and all the drama around your children when they're growing up. But you have to remember that you and your husband were together first,' she said. She added: 'You have to invest in that relationship in order that you continue to have a relationship for your children's sake as well as your own. It is very controversial, but it's also supported by research.'
The couple, who have two daughters—Lexi, 19, and Hollie, 13—first met in Los Angeles in 2003. Despite sharing a home, Holden has previously admitted they lead 'separate lives' due to busy schedules. On Heart Radio, she explained: 'Our lives have been very separate for a long time because we're both very busy. Obviously, we're very happily married, but we do lots of things separately.'
To spend more time together, Hughes suggested they take up badminton. Holden shared on the radio in February: 'We often play it in the summer in the back garden and with the kids. It's such a good game... I love a Badminton racket, because you can really whack that shuttlecock and I love the noise.'
Holden has also credited a sense of humour and physical attraction for their lasting partnership. She told OK! Magazine: 'I really fancy Chris. We'll be eating dinner in a restaurant, he'll go to the loo, then I'll look up and catch a glimpse of a man and think he's fit! Then I'll realise, 'Gosh, that's my husband!''
