Amanda Holden has revealed the blunt instruction she once gave fellow theatre-goers after becoming frustrated by their behaviour during a performance of Wicked.
Confrontation at the Theatre
The Britain's Got Talent judge admitted she has little patience for audience members who disrupt live shows, recalling how she confronted a family seated behind her while watching the hit musical.
Speaking at celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in south London, Amanda said she has not hesitated to challenge people whose behaviour distracts from performances.
“I've told people off for making noise,” she told the Daily Mail's Richard Eden.
She then recounted one memorable encounter at Wicked, where a family appeared to have brought 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 seemed confused by her intervention, prompting her to be even more direct.
“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.'”
The presenter also urged audiences to embrace the theatre experience properly rather than treating it casually.
“Make an effort, go have a gin and tonic, dress up - don't rattle your sweets and turn your bloody phone off.”
Marriage Advice on Heart Radio
Her comments come after another candid revelation from the TV star sparked surprise on her Heart Radio show.
During a discussion about the ingredients of a successful marriage with co-host Jamie Theakston, Amanda shared her reaction to research suggesting couples should kiss at least 10 times a week.
The 55-year-old, who married Chris Hughes in 2008, joked that the figure sounded low.
“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 stunned Jamie questioned whether she really kissed her husband that often, leading Amanda to insist: “I would say so.”
She then added: “Even if I gave him a Glaswegian one. Everyone in Scotland would know what that is. But yeah we do, we have a good old snog.”
When Jamie remained sceptical, Amanda defended her claim, saying: “What do you mean? I think that's the easiest thing to get out the way in a marriage.”
The survey also suggested couples should say “I love you” nine times a week, enjoy regular date nights and have frequent meaningful conversations.
However, Amanda admitted some of those targets are harder to achieve. Balancing work commitments with raising two daughters means private dinners with her husband are relatively rare.
“Me and Chris, if we're lucky, we might go out for dinner once a month on our own,” she said.
She was equally doubtful about the recommendation for deep conversations, joking: “We definitely don't have meaningful conversations, that's up to nearly three a week! Ours are like, 'What do you want for your tea? What are our plans for Sunday?' That's as deep and meaningful as it gets.”
