In a recent candid conversation, Amanda Holden has opened up about the real reason behind her marriage to ex-husband Les Dennis. The Britain’s Got Talent judge, who is now happily married to Chris Hughes, revealed that her decision to marry Dennis was deeply influenced by her youthful naivety and desire for stability.
Amanda, 55, reflected on the time when she married Les in 1995, at just 24 years old, while he was 42. Their marriage faced its fair share of challenges, including a brief split in 2000, reportedly due to Amanda’s affair with TV co-star Neil Morrissey. The pair later reconciled but eventually separated for good in 2002, officially divorcing a year later. 
Amanda Holden Reflects on Her Past Relationship:
Looking back, Amanda now admits that her marriage to Les might have had more to do with seeking a sense of safety than romantic love. In an interview with The Times, Amanda confessed that she didn’t seek therapy back then, but she acknowledges, “There is a sort of safety in a relationship like that.”
At the time, she was young and still learning about life and relationships, admitting, “I was very young and I had a lot to learn about life.”
Les Dennis’ Thoughts on Their Age Gap:
Les has also made light of their age gap, recalling an amusing moment from their time together. On Richard Herring’s podcast in 2019, he shared a story from Grand National Day when Amanda asked for money to place a bet. Les handed her £10, but she insisted on £20. When the plumber witnessed the exchange, he playfully remarked, “Kids, eh?”
Amanda previously opened up about how she felt about her relationship with Les (Credit: Cover Images)
Amanda Talks Simon Cowell – No ‘Date’ Involved:
The conversation didn’t stop there. Amanda also addressed rumors surrounding her and BGT boss Simon Cowell. Despite the teasing comments from Simon, who has jokingly suggested that the two of them once went on a date, Amanda firmly shut down any claims. She clarified, “No, he teases me it was a date but it wasn’t. We went out for dinner, and I took my best friend.”
Amanda shut down the notion she ever ‘dated’ Simon Cowell (Credit: YouTube)
Now married to Chris Hughes since 2008, Amanda enjoys a fulfilling life with their two daughters, Lexi and Hollie. But as her reflections reveal, the past with Les Dennis left an indelible mark on her journey toward understanding herself and relationships.
