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Amanda Holden opens up about cancer

Published 1 months ago on Feb 09, 2025

Amanda Holden Opens Up About Cancer Scares, Marriage, and Finding Humor in the Darkest Times.

Amanda Holden has revealed a deeply personal account of recent health scares affecting close friends, her own enduring marriage, and the power of humor in navigating life's challenges. In a candid interview, the beloved television personality discussed the emotional rollercoaster of supporting friends through cancer diagnoses, her own past health struggles, and the secrets to her long-lasting relationship with husband Chris Hughes.

Holden's resilience and unwavering optimism shine through as she recounts the shock of learning about two separate cancer diagnoses within her social circle. The first involved her friend Jamie, whose initial sore throat masked a devastating reality. "It was a thrill to get Jamie back," Amanda shared. "He had a sore throat for weeks, but it was still a shock when I got a text from his lovely wife Sophie saying it's cancer. It was the worst possible outcome." However, further examination revealed a silver lining: Jamie was diagnosed with stage one cancer, offering a much more positive prognosis.

Throughout Jamie's treatment, Amanda provided unwavering support, maintaining regular contact and offering comfort in the way she knew best. "I spoke to him nearly every week," she explained. "I didn't know what to do because he has a wonderful family around him, so I sent him a scarf." She also praised Jamie's wife, Sophie, for her strength and resilience during this difficult time. "I have a lovely relationship with Sophie who is super strong, and we take the mickey out of Jamie all the time," she added, highlighting the importance of humor even in the face of adversity. Jamie's return to health was a cause for celebration, with Amanda noting his improved appearance and newfound perspective on life. "He looks so much better. He's on a vegetarian diet too. He's got a different perspective on life as people who have survived cancer often do," she observed.

Adding to the emotional turmoil, Amanda also revealed the shock of Davina McCall's cancer diagnosis. "It knocked me for six," she admitted. "I can definitely call her a friend, but we've never really socialised. But then when I saw the news on her Instagram, I was shocked. And with Jamie on top of that, you just think, 'This is all going to s***.'" Amanda immediately reached out to offer her support to Davina, whom she describes as "possibly the nicest person in our industry." "She's the best hugger and has great energy," Amanda shared, emphasizing Davina's positive spirit. "You know how we all like good gossip or a good slag-off of somebody – Davina isn't interested in all that, she's perfect in every way."

These experiences have undoubtedly made Amanda more aware of her own mortality, particularly as a parent. "I'm really good at facing up to things," she stated. "I have a mammogram and my bloods checked every year. I think that you become very much aware of your own mortality when you become a parent."

Amanda's personal life has also been marked by both joy and sorrow. Following her divorce from comedian Les Dennis in 2003, she found love again with music producer Chris Hughes, whom she married in 2008. Their journey has been filled with both highs and lows, including the devastating loss of their son Theo, who was stillborn at seven months, and Amanda's near-death experience during the birth of their daughter Hollie. During Hollie's birth, Amanda suffered placenta accreta, a life-threatening complication. She was in a coma and actually flatlined after her heart stopped beating for 40 seconds.

Through it all, Amanda credits laughter as the key to navigating difficult times. "Chris and I have always been able to find humour in the darkness," she explained. "He doesn't dwell on drama. Sometimes people don't get his humour, and I'll say to him, 'Leave the room, you're not reading it very well,'" she laughed.

Amanda's open and honest approach to life extends to her views on relationships and personal expression. She embraces her playful side, admitting to enjoying cooking naked at home, and describes her relationship with Chris as still filled with romance and playful banter. "We try to have a date night every Thursday when we go to the theatre or have dinner, or we lock the door and watch Netflix, and the kids just have to do their own thing," she shared. "He's a busy person as well, so I get butterflies thinking about seeing him. We also wind each other up something chronic, but that's why we've been together since 2003."

Despite her close friendships with male colleagues like Simon Cowell and Alan Carr, Amanda emphasizes the importance of her female friendships. She cherishes her close bond with a tight-knit group of women, including Sarah Parish, Tamzin Outhwaite, and Angela Griffin. Their weekends away are filled with laughter, shared experiences, and mutual support. "We always turn up with embarrassing amounts of alcohol, and there's lots of nattering because we've all got daughters the same age," she said. "You can question your own parenting skills, so when you get together with women who feel the same way, there's so much to share and learn."

Amanda's latest project, the Netflix series "Cheaters: Unfinished Business," sees her guiding former couples as they confront infidelity and decide whether to rekindle their relationships or move on. "It was one of the best experiences of my career," she enthused. "We were with an extraordinary bunch with really good stories to tell. It's gossipy, salacious and heartbreaking. I'm the non-judgmental shoulder. It's all about human nature, forgiveness, so it's really relatable."

Throughout her career, Amanda has faced her share of judgment, but she remains focused on moving forward and striving for excellence in all her endeavors. "I strive to do my best in everything I do and be the most professional and nicest I can be," she concluded. "I just love working. Great things come from hard work." With her infectious energy, unwavering optimism, and genuine empathy, Amanda Holden continues to inspire and entertain audiences, both on and off screen.

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