Amanda Holden has spoken out about confronting fellow theatre-goers over their disruptive behaviour, revealing she told off a family for eating a packed lunch during a performance of Wicked.
Holden's blunt dressing-down
The Britain's Got Talent judge confessed she has little tolerance for audience members who interrupt live shows, recalling how she challenged a family sitting behind her while watching the smash-hit musical. Speaking at celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in south London, Amanda revealed she has no qualms about calling out those whose conduct detracts from a performance.
"I've told people off for making noise," she told the Daily Mail's Richard Eden. She went on to recount one particularly memorable run-in at Wicked, where a family appeared to have smuggled food into the theatre.
"I was watching Wicked and there was this family behind me - they literally had a packed lunch. I said, 'You're not in your lounge.'"
According to Amanda, the group appeared baffled by her intervention, which only prompted her to become even more forthright.
"They looked at me, going, 'What's she talking about?' I said: 'Please put the lid on your sandwich box and watch this amazing performance.'"
Plea for theatre etiquette
The television presenter also implored audiences to fully embrace the theatre experience rather than approach it casually.
"Make an effort, go have a gin and tonic, dress up - don't rattle your sweets and turn your bloody phone off."
Her remarks follow another candid revelation from the star that raised eyebrows on her Heart Radio show. During a conversation about the key ingredients of a happy marriage with co-host Jamie Theakston, Amanda revealed her reaction to research suggesting couples should share at least 10 kisses per week.
The 55-year-old, who wed Chris Hughes in 2008, quipped that the number seemed rather modest. "Which I think is quite low in seven days, even by my standards and my husband, who nags me all the time, would say you do that in a day, 10 kisses, probably."
A surprised Jamie questioned whether she genuinely kissed her husband that frequently, prompting Amanda to insist: "I would say so."
