Amanda Holden: ‘I walk around naked at home and it drives my daughters mad'

Amanda Holden reveals why she's determined to promote body confidence to her two daughters, Hollie, 12 and Lexi, 18, how she handles trolls and why she 'doesn't give a hoot' about the complaints she's had for her outfits on Britain's Got Talent...

TV star, actress and singer Amanda Holden is one of Britain's most loved household names. For over 30 years she has been in the public eye, making headlines not only for her work but also for her fashion, her sense of fun and her no-nonsense opinions.

Best known for being a judge on Britain's Got Talent – a job she has had since the show began in 2007 – she also gained a new army of fans thanks to her Heart Breakfast show alongside Jamie Theakston, on which she recently posed nude for a life-drawing class.

Here, the 53-year-old shares how she promotes body positivity to her two daughters, Hollie, 12 and Lexi, 18, thinks women should never be 'pigeon-holed for their age' and 'doesn't give a hoot' about the complaints she'd had for her outfits on Britain's Got Talent...

You never seem to stop working, what do you believe is the secret to your success?

I honestly have to pinch myself that I have a job I absolutely love doing. I’m basically a waitress that got lucky, although ever since I started working at the age of 13 I have put my all into every job I have had. My mum drilled into me the importance of having a good work ethic, to strive for what I wanted and to be independent. These are traits all the women in my family have and I’d like to think I’ve passed them on to my daughters Hollie and Lexi.

What’s your relationship like with your two daughters now they're older?

I’ve often said our mantra is to 'speak up, speak out and be strong' and they definitely are that, at least where I am concerned! I’m literally like their PA or taxi mum as I call myself. Like other working parents, I am on speed dial to drive them to and from places, constantly topping up their Go Henry cards, buying them clothes and other things. I’d like to think I have taught both my girls the importance of body positivity and feeling confident in themselves. I mean, I walk around naked at home and it drives them mad. Lexi is constantly telling me to put my clothes on.

When it comes to fashion, you’ve never shied away from wearing everything from latex to leather. Do you always dress to impress?

I absolutely love fashion. Look, I don’t put on revealing outfits on purpose and I am damned if anyone is going to dictate what I wear. If I want to dress up and feel sexy then so be it. I’m not going to apologise for the clothes I wear to anyone.

I’m so against women being pigeon-holed for their age and people saying they shouldn’t wear certain clothes because they are over 50. And that’s why I love my latest range with Lipsy as it is designed for women of all ages and sizes. The material is so comfortable and flattering and it is affordable too.

I know in the past viewers have complained about outfits I have worn but I honestly don’t give a hoot. I like to embrace life and grab it by the balls. And if that means wearing sexy clothes, I will continue to do so as I absolutely love dressing up and feeling glamorous.

Do you ever find it daunting being in the public eye and having over two million followers on Instagram? How do you deal with any negative comments or trolls?

I either ignore it or kill them with kindness. That’s a good approach to conflict. Be nice to someone who is being rude to you; trust me I have done it and it works a treat! They are not expecting it and that shuts them up pretty quickly.

In my industry I have learnt to grow a thicker skin and a backbone which has helped push me forward and grab the opportunities that have come my way. That’s the only way to persevere if you really want something.

You've often been called a Duracell bunny, do you think this is a good description of you?

Gosh, I have been called a lot of things in my life and think this is spot on. I am just very grateful to still have so much energy. I’ve recently become addicted to the Peloton bike which I do every day so that probably helps boost my fitness levels, plus I live life in moderation. I work hard and play hard.

And that also applies to my diet – I have a little of what I fancy and don’t deprive myself of anything. I love wine and cheese, and a gin and tonic. In fact, when I’m not working my favourite thing to do is watch a box set at home or read a book.

I’m actually on the best WhatsApp group where we recommend books to each other. Bruno Tonioli is the best when it comes to recommendations; he recently suggested I read the book Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow and I absolutely loved it.

Anything you have not done that you’d like to try?

I have no plans to fade into the background, that’s for sure. I know how lucky I am to get offered amazing jobs and the dream one is on the horizon. I am definitely not slowing down but when work opportunities are there, I’ll make the most of them because even though I’ve been lucky for 30 years, I’m very aware that one day it might all end. I have to make the most of it while it’s here!

The ‘Amanda Holden x Lipsy’ collection is exclusively available online at Next.co.uk.

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