Amanda Holden has returned home after a difficult childbirth that left her in intensive care. The 40-year-old actress and Britain's Got Talent judge gave birth to daughter Hollie Rose Hughes on 23 January, weighing just over 6lb (2.7kg). Her spokeswoman confirmed that Holden had been in a 'critical condition' but is now expected to make a full recovery.
Holden and her husband Chris Hughes thanked well-wishers and medical staff for their 'amazing skill and dedication'. Spokeswoman Alison Griffin said: 'Amanda is thrilled to be home with her family. Hollie is absolutely beautiful and Amanda and Chris are completely besotted with their two girls.'
The birth came after a challenging pregnancy for Holden, who suffered a stillbirth seven months into an earlier pregnancy last year. She announced she was expecting again in August, shortly after being involved in a collision with a lorry that wrote off her vehicle. The accident forced her to miss some performances of Shrek The Musical, which she left soon after to focus on her pregnancy.
Holden had been due to join fellow Britain's Got Talent judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams for auditions in Blackpool on 24 January, but missed the filming due to her hospital admission. ITV has not yet confirmed when she will return to the judging panel.
