Amanda Holden says Britain’s Got Talent was “liberating” for her after cheating scandal

Joining the judging panel on BGT has changed people’s perceptions of her

Amanda Holden freed from affair

by Ellie Kirwin-Jones |
Updated on

Amanda Holden’s image in the past was associated with her past affair with Neil Morrissey and split from Les Dennis, but since Simon Cowell asked her to join the judging panel on the talent show in 2007, she reveals how it has changed people’s perceptions of her.

“Starting out on Britain’s Got Talent was liberating for me.

“I mean, without dragging up my past, I think, at the time I was with Chris, we’d been together for something like five years but people still kept going on about Les and Neil, and all the other stuff” she told The Mirror.

CHECK OUT: Britain's Got Talent winners so far

Gallery

RADIO Britain's Got Talent winners so far slider

Paul Potts1 of 13
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Paul Potts

Paul Potts won the very first show in 2007 with his hugely impressive singing abilities.

George Sampson2 of 13
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

George Sampson

Break dancer George Sampson won the show in 2008 at the age of just 14-years-old.

Diversity3 of 13
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Diversity

Dance group Diversity won the show in 2009, with Ashley Banjo going on to become a TV presenter.

Spellbound4 of 13
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Spellbound

The 2010 series also saw a dance group win in the form of Spellbound, pictured here performing with singer Katherine Jenkins that year.

Jai McDowall5 of 13
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Jai McDowall

Singer Jai McDowall won the show in 2011.

Ashleigh and Pudsey6 of 13
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Ashleigh and Pudsey

Dog performing act Ashleigh and Pudsey were winners of the 2012 series. However, Pudsey sadly passed away in July 2017.

Attraction7 of 13
CREDIT: u00a9 Twitter/ attractionblt

Attraction

Another dance group won over the public in 2013, as Attraction used shadows and puppets to create beautiful spectacles - pictured here with Terry Crews.

Collabro8 of 13
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Collabro

Singing group Collabro wowed viewers in 2014 with their performances of musical theatre songs.

Jules and Matisse9 of 13
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Jules and Matisse

Britain's Got Talent saw its second dog act winner in 2015 with Jules and Matisse.

Richard Jones10 of 13
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Richard Jones

Magician Richard Jones won the hearts of the nation in 2016.

Tokio Myers11 of 13
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Tokio Myers

Pianist and music producer Tokio Myers won the show in 2017, pictured here with BGT judge Amanda Holden.

Lost Voice Guy12 of 13
CREDIT: u00a9 Tom Dymond/REX/Shutterstock

Lost Voice Guy

Lost Voice Guy, real name Lee Ridley, won in 2018.

Colin Thackery13 of 13
CREDIT: u00a9 PA Images

Colin Thackery

Colin Thackery won Britain's Got Talent in 2019.

Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon
©Getty

“So what was really nice was that anyone that might’ve had a preconceived idea of me could see who I really was and then really make their mind up.

“So, if they didn’t like me after, that’s totally fine as well. But I think I was able to make a wider audience understand that I probably wasn’t as bad as I’d been portrayed, or as naughty as I’d been portrayed” she said.

The 48-year-old actress is now happily married to music executive, Chris Hughes, where they tied the knot in 2008, and now have two children.

Read more celeb news:

Lisa Armstrong’s pain as Ant McPartlin gets his family dream

Cheryl’s new humiliation: ‘I'm a laughing stock’

Simon Cowell DENIES having a gastric band after 20lbs weight loss

The revamped series of Britain's Got Talent: The Champions which starts on Saturday from 8pm on ITV will feature past contestants competing to be the ultimate champion.

Joining Amanda, Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, and David Walliams will be judging the British and international stars.

WATCH: Reacting to the best Geordie Shore moments with OGs Gaz Beadle and Holly Hagan

“This show is the cream of talent from around the world. So there's nothing stupid, there's nothing to criticise, there's nothing that needs particularly any direction” Amanda revealed toThe Sun.

In 2013, Amanda opened up about her past affair with Neil Morrisey. She told Closer: "I found the fall from grace incredibly hard to deal with,’ she said. ‘I can’t bear not to be liked. Then I had an affair and overnight turned into this awful person."

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us