Amanda Holden has revealed that behind the scenes of her 14-year marriage to Chris Hughes — and 22 years as a couple — the pair actually lead “separate lives” due to their clashing schedules and very different personalities.
The Britain’s Got Talent star, 54, first met record producer Chris, 51, in 2003 before marrying him in 2008. They share two daughters, Lexi, 19, and Hollie, 13. But while Amanda insists their relationship still feels “fresh” after more than two decades, she admits there are plenty of things they simply don’t share — especially when it comes to the spotlight.
Chris, who shuns fame, avoids red carpets and public events entirely. Amanda even confessed she has to force him onto her Instagram twice a year “just to prove he exists.”
Speaking to The Times, she explained:
“It does still feel fresh. We’re very different people. He can’t stand the limelight, hates red carpets, hates turning up anywhere with me, so he doesn’t. Twice a year he gets forced to go on my Instagram just to prove he exists. I’ll only listen to him on the business side of life. In other ways I’m very spontaneous and don’t listen to him at all.”
This isn’t the first time Amanda has been candid about her marriage. Earlier this year, she told Hello! that they’ve had their share of ups and downs like any couple — but she’s always been grateful for their bond, especially after witnessing the suffering of others they’ve worked with.
“My husband and I always have this joke where we go: ‘God, our relationship still feels so fresh.’ Twenty-two years does feel like a long time, but it still feels new to me. I think that’s because it’s ever-evolving.”
Outside of her marriage, Amanda also revealed she’s fiercely protective of her downtime — and that her preferences even change with the seasons.
When asked by The Times whether she’d rather curl up with a book or watch Netflix, she admitted:
“I have the biggest pile of books I’m taking on holiday, and I’m even more excited about reading them than I am about seeing long-lost friends.”
One thing’s certain — Amanda Holden’s love story is anything but ordinary, and she’s not afraid to say it.
