They’re both enduring mixed emotions as their daughters prepare to fly the nest – with Amanda Holden and Strictly's Tess Daly opening up about their feelings to fans on social media.
Earlier this month, Amanda, 52 – whose eldest daughter, Lexi, 17, has just one more year of school – was clearly triggered by her pal Tess Daly’s Instagram post, paying tribute to her daughter Phoebe’s school days coming to an end.
Sharing a series of sweet throwback snaps of her 18-year-old – who the 54-year-old Strictly host shares with husband, Vernon Kay, 49, along with Amber, 13 – she wrote, “Well that’s a wrap and the school days are done,” alongside two crying emojis.
“No more sports days or school shoes! As a parent it feels pretty monumental. We’re so proud of you Phoebe! Here’s to the next chapter.” Sympathising with Tess’ heartfelt post, Amanda – who also shares, Hollie, 11, with husband, Chris Hughes – simply posted one tearful and one heart-eyed emoji.
The hosts have been close friends since their early days on the presenting scene – with Amanda throwing her support behind Tess’ swimwear line, Naia Beach, and regularly sharing her pal’s designs with her two million Instagram followers.
In one post from 2021, the BGT judge thanked her “gorgeous friend @tessdaly” for her latest design, while Tess called her a “gorgeous goddess”.
And insiders say the pair have been further bonding behind the scenes as they battle with empty-nest syndrome.
The source says, “Amanda has been a huge support to Tess over the last few months as she goes through the emotions and prepares for Phoebe to leave home for university.
“With Amanda’s daughter being just a year younger, she’s understandably that much more empathetic with Tess since she knows it’s not long before she’s in that situation too. It’s something they’ve been bonding over and supporting one another through.
“Amanda is hyper aware of how tough this is for Tess – checking in with texts and phone calls and popping over when their busy schedules allow. They’re a 40-minute drive from each other so while it’s not next door, it’s also not too far away that they can’t make time for dinner during the odd evening or just to have a cup of tea and a catch up.
“Tess has really appreciated Amanda’s support and Amanda says it’s helped prepare her for the inevitable, which she knows is just around the corner.”
Earlier this year, Tess admitted she was “in denial” over Phoebe leaving home to go to drama school. During an appearance on Loose Women, she joked, “She’s not ever leaving,” adding, “I can’t even think about it”.
Meanwhile, Amanda has opened up about Lexi’s fledgling modelling career after being signed by top agency, Storm – insisting she will finish her education before pursuing her catwalk dreams.
The teen is also said to be eyeing up universities in America following reports her mum could be contemplating a US move after visiting the set of America’s Got Talent during her recent trip.
And it’s not just Lexi who’s been sparking her mum’s emotions. Last week, the tearful radio host broke down on her show while talking about her younger daughter, Hollie, leaving prep school.
“I’m not gonna lie. I feel a bit depressed today,” she sobbed to her co-host, Jamie Theakston. “It’s the end of an era.”
The source says, “Amanda is very sensitive about all the changes happening at home and it’s making her feel incredibly tearful and unsettled.
“While she knows how lucky she is to have two beautiful daughters thriving and growing up into strong, independent women, there’s part of her that just wants to have her little girls back and never let them go.
“Tess has been Amanda’s rock – trying to instill her with strength as they hold each other’s hands and vow to get through the changes together.
“They’ve bonded over it on some nights out together. They’re both trying to focus on the positives of their girls growing up and remembering it’s all part of life and their journeys as parents.
“They know that while they may not have the same family dynamic once their children leave home, there is so much to look forward to as they watch them spread their wings and carve out their new lives. Both Tess and Amanda have vowed to try their best to focus on this new chapter and all the happiness and excitement that come with it.”