Amanda Holden Almost Missed Out on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’
Hosted by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, ITV’s long-running talent show, Britain’s Got Talent, is back this week for its 18th series. The judging panel includes former X Factor judge Simon Cowell, along with Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and YouTube star KSI.
Holden has been a fan favourite since the show’s debut, earning her the affectionate title of “Britain’s Got Talent queen.” But she nearly never joined the series at all.
Simon Cowell revealed that the role was originally offered to Cheryl Cole, known then for her music career. “A week before filming, she calls me and goes, ‘I just can’t do it,’ and wouldn’t give me a reason,” he recalled. Fortunately for viewers, Holden stepped in and has been a cornerstone of the panel ever since.