She’s currently back on our TV screens fronting Britain’s Got Talent in her 17th year on the judging panel. But Amanda Holden, 52, could be set to depart the hit show that “saved” her career back in 2006, amid reports the mum-of-two is considering quitting the UK for a new life in America.
The presenter reportedly spent the recent Easter break meeting producers in Los Angeles and visited the set of America’s Got Talent – which her BGT boss Simon Cowell, 63, also works on and co-produces. And it’s not just career opportunities on Amanda’s mind – her eldest daughter, Lexi, 17, is reportedly looking at universities in LA, Boston and New York.
However, the plans have sparked tension behind the scenes, with Amanda’s music producer husband Chris Hughes said to be unsure, and worrying that trying to break America is a risky move.
A source close to Amanda – who also shares 11-year-old daughter, Hollie, with Chris – says, “She’s seriously contemplating this move, it feels like the time is right. Amanda really enjoyed her visit to the set of AGT, meeting judges Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara – and the producers absolutely loved her.”
After initially putting her £5 million Surrey “dream home” on the market for a while last year, the star relisted the sprawling five-bedroom property last month.
And pals say, following a very successful trip, coupled with Lexi’s desire to study Stateside, Amanda has her heart set on moving to LA. She feels that her time on British TV could be over.
The source adds, "Amanda's always loved the Californian lifestyle and moving there has often been something she's thought about, but it was never the right time when the girls were younger.
“During their trip, she spent a lot of time with Simon’s fiancée, Lauren Silverman, who she’s very close to, and seeing how wonderful the life is out there with the weather and all the opportunities – not only for her and Chris but for the girls, too – she said it felt like such an obvious move and she's now tentatively setting the wheels in motion to give it a go.
"Chris does a lot of work in America too, so it makes sense for both of them. And while previously she wouldn't have wanted to uproot the kids, with Lexi wanting to study there and Hollie about to start secondary school, it makes much more sense now."
However, despite looking at two homes there and checking out Malibu High School – and even talking to former EastEnders star Patsy Palmer, who relocated to LA years ago with her children – Chris is said to be reluctant.
The source says, “Chris isn’t as keen as Amanda. He’s very apprehensive and wonders about the risks of leaving everything behind to live out a dream. He’s warned Amanda against the idea of dropping everything she’s worked so hard for here when there’s no guarantee they’ll make it out in LA – where it’s so competitive. It’s caused some tension between them as Chris tries to weigh up the reality versus this glossy life. He’s also worried about how Hollie will settle into a new school.
“Amanda’s doing her best to make him see the potential for a fresh and exciting start for the whole family – she just wants him to let her go and give it her best shot. Her big fear is the regrets and ‘what ifs’ if she doesn’t give it a whirl now.”
Amanda has previously thanked Simon Cowell for saving her career after she had an affair with Men Behaving Badly star Neil Morrissey while she was married to comedian Les Dennis. In 2013, Amanda admitted the affair “ruined my reputation”, adding, “I’m grateful to him [Simon]. Obviously he’s
made me a lot of money, but he also gave me an amazing profile change.”
And pals say that the TV mogul is quietly encouraging Amanda to make the move.
The source reveals, “Simon has told Amanda he’ll support her to make the transition as smooth as possible for her and the family. He’s told her how amazing life is in LA, but has been careful not to sugar-coat it. While he can introduce her to network chiefs and help open up doors, nothing is handed to anyoneonaplateintheUS–it takes hard graft to make a name for yourself out there.”
Last month, insiders told Closer how the star had also set her sights on following in the footsteps of “momager” Kris Jenner, 67, after Lexi bagged a modelling deal with global agency, Storm. And pals say another motivation for her US move would be helping to propel her daughter into an international supermodel.
The source says, “Amanda knows how much more opportunity there is in America and is hoping Lexi can follow in the footsteps of Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid once she’s finished her education. It would open up numerous doors for her.
“Amanda really wants to embrace the LA lifestyle wholeheartedly and is already thinking about how she’d cultivate a friendship circle of A-list pals like Victoria Beckham did during her stint there.
“She knows it’s not going to be easy, but having never taken the leap or lived abroad, she is determined to give it everything she’s got and follow in the footsteps of other British stars such as James Corden who’ve hit the big time across the pond.”
