Devoted EastEnders viewers have experienced a remarkable blast from the past, uncovering a long-forgotten soap appearance by television personality Amanda Holden. The discovery has sent shockwaves through fan communities, with many expressing astonishment at how the star's appearance has seemingly changed very little over three decades.
A Surprising Soap Stint Revealed
Amanda Holden, now best known as a judge on Britain's Got Talent and a Heart Radio presenter, once graced the iconic Albert Square in a brief but memorable role. Back in 1993, a young Holden appeared in five episodes of the BBC soap opera, portraying a character named Carmen who worked at a clothing stall in Bridge Street Market.
Working Alongside Ian Beale
In her role as Carmen, Holden shared scenes with Adam Woodyatt's legendary character Ian Beale. Her character was employed at the market stall and was particularly keen to secure a permanent position there. The storyline primarily revolved around Carmen selling heart-patterned boxer shorts, which were anonymously delivered to market inspector Richard Cole, played by Ian Reddington, as part of a prank he found less than amusing.
Holden recently discussed this early career moment with her Heart Radio co-presenter Jamie Theakston, revealing: "When I left drama school, EastEnders was one of the first jobs I got. I had to look after someone's stall for half an hour, which was like four episodes or something. I was opposite Adam Woodyatt, your ex-flatmate! That's not true."
Fan Reactions and Age-Defying Appearance
The revelation of Holden's EastEnders past has sparked considerable discussion among soap enthusiasts. On social media platforms and fan forums, viewers have expressed their surprise at this previously unknown chapter in the television personality's career.
One Reddit user exclaimed: "Another surprise! Another celebrity (before they were famous) appeared in EastEnders that I didn't know about! 1993 - A teeny tiny Amanda Holden!" Another commenter added: "Wow. I never knew about this one, it almost feels unusual to look at haha."
Perhaps the most consistent observation among fans has been Holden's seemingly age-defying appearance. Multiple viewers noted the remarkable similarity between her 1993 look and her current appearance, with one fan remarking: "Wow she hasn't aged at all in 30 years." Another observed: "I thought the same thing. Especially when I heard her speak. She had exactly the same voice as she has now lol."
From Soap to Stardom
Following her brief stint in EastEnders, Holden's career trajectory took a significant upward turn. She transitioned from minor acting roles to becoming a household name, most notably through her position as a judge on ITV's Britain's Got Talent since 2007. Her television presence has remained consistent, with recent projects including Amanda and Alan's Greek Job on BBC One, where she renovates properties in Corfu alongside comedian Alan Carr.
This rediscovery of Holden's soap origins serves as a fascinating reminder of how many British television personalities began their careers with small roles in iconic programmes before achieving mainstream success. The enduring interest in these early appearances demonstrates the lasting cultural impact of shows like EastEnders and the public's fascination with celebrity career trajectories.
