Amanda Holden Almost Missed Out on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’

ITV’s long-running talent show Britain’s Got Talent returns this week for its 18th season, hosted by fan favourites Ant and Dec. The judging panel includes Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, YouTube star KSI, and Amanda Holden—affectionately dubbed the “BGT queen” by loyal viewers.

Holden has been with the show since its 2007 debut, known for her glamour, wit, and emotional connection with contestants. But according to Cowell, her iconic role almost went to someone else.

Speaking in a recent interview, Cowell revealed that the spot was originally offered to Cheryl Cole, then a rising pop star and future X Factor judge. “A week before filming, she calls me and goes, ‘I just can’t do it,’ and wouldn’t give me a reason,” he said.

With filming days away and no judge in place, producers turned to Amanda Holden—and the rest is history. Nearly two decades later, she remains a fixture on the panel, beloved by fans for her charm and heart.

It turns out, what began as a last-minute casting change became one of the show’s most enduring successes.