Amanda Holden

Holden posted an Instagram advertisement for QVC wearing the "Handy Mandy" overalls associated with Amanda & Alan's Spanish Job. The BBC asked her to remove the post and reminded her of its rules prohibiting performers from reproducing their recognisable on-screen role in advertising.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Holden defended Simon Cowell following criticism from Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh, describing their attitude as "bitter and pathetic". Osbourne responded with a lengthy public letter challenging the suggestion that Cowell had made her career.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Following Paul O'Grady's death, Holden stated on Heart Radio that one of the things she loved about him was that he was "not woke in any way". Critics considered this description inconsistent with O'Grady's career as a drag performer, LGBTQ+ campaigner and outspoken opponent of austerity.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Holden travelled more than 200 miles from the London area to visit her parents in Cornwall during Covid restrictions. Her agent acknowledged that she had breached travel rules; the press reported that she had been reported to police.

State of the evidence

Admitted by the person

Attribution

Personally implicated

While announcing the British Eurovision votes, Holden said "Bonsoir. Goedenavond", then joked that she had "absolutely no idea" which was French or Dutch. The segment prompted a significant backlash.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Several low-cut outfits worn by Holden on Britain's Got Talent prompted waves of complaints. In 2017, one dress generated 663 complaints, and Ofcom declined to investigate further; in 2020, another outfit prompted 235 complaints.

State of the evidence

Documented

During a live magic act broadcast at 8:12 p.m., Holden swore in surprise. Ofcom received 56 complaints and considered the language inappropriate before the watershed but marked the case as resolved given its spontaneous nature and the immediate apologies.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

On Britain's Got Talent, Holden warned a magician to be careful with her Louboutin shoe, joking that it was worth "a week's wages". Viewers considered the remark inappropriate and out of touch with economic difficulties.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

During the Britain's Got Talent final, Holden compared the perseverance and heroism of a 79-year-old dancer with those of the D-Day generation, just after commemorations of the 70th anniversary. Internet users considered the comparison inappropriate.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

While married to Les Dennis, Amanda Holden had a highly publicised affair with actor Neil Morrissey in 2000. Holden and Dennis attempted to rebuild their marriage before separating and eventually divorcing.

State of the evidence

Admitted by the person

Attribution

Personally implicated