Amanda Holden has revealed she hated stepping into a leadership role Britain has talent when Simon Cowell had to miss auditions due to illness.
Despite being the longest-serving judge, she said taking the central decision-making position made her feel uncomfortable and isolated.
“I have to admit, I hated sitting in that seat! I’ve been on the show the longest, so I understand why I probably have to sit in that seat, but when I was there, I ended up feeling very ostracized. It’s okay if your team sits to your left…Simon has dozens of employees and family watching from the side and interacting with him,” The sun quoted her.
Holden explained that she understood why producers asked her to moderate the panel, but the experience felt unnatural. She said Cowell normally has a strong support system around him during filming, including staff and family who help him stay connected to the production.
In contrast, she joked that her own team had stayed away, leaving her feeling disconnected from the flow of the show. “Mine all decided to eat my snacks and sit in the dressing room and not pay attention to the show or me!”
She said the role required her to immerse herself in conversations, rather than participating naturally.
“Simon said to me, ‘I’m sure you enjoyed it. Did you feel powerful?’ “I said I hated it because I had to keep leaning in to be part of the conversation,” she recalls.
In Cowell’s absence, Holden judged alongside KSI, Alesha Dixon and Deputy Judge Stacey Solomon. Although she didn’t enjoy leading the panel, she said she enjoyed the audition atmosphere, entertainingly describing the new season as looser and more chaotic.
She also praised KSI’s direct judging style and said she was happy to see Cowell return to his usual blunt one-line criticism, which she described as part of the show’s identity.
Holden added that she hopes she never has to moderate the panel again, saying she feels most comfortable in her usual middle seat. “I never want to sit in that seat again! I’m juicy in the middle. It’s such a good spot.”
The new series will air on ITV1.
