Simon Cowell Reveals Amanda Holden Was Second Choice for BGT Panel After Huge Star Quit

Simon Cowell has made a surprising revelation about the original casting of Britain’s Got Talent (BGT), 

admitting that Amanda Holden was not his first choice for the show’s judging panel. 

The talent show mogul disclosed that former Girls Aloud singer Cheryl was initially offered the role, but she backed out just a week before filming began.

Last-Minute Casting Change

Cowell, who has been the driving force behind BGT since its inception in 2007, explained that the show had to scramble for a replacement after Cheryl unexpectedly pulled out. 

Speaking about the situation, he said: “We’d offered the role to Cheryl Cole, as she was known in those days. A week before filming, she calls me and goes: ‘I just can’t do it,’ and wouldn’t give me a reason. I think she was freaked out.”

With only days left before production began, Cowell had to make a swift decision. That’s when he thought of Amanda Holden. “I just knew it had to be Amanda because I’d met her and I really liked her. She was very funny and I just thought she’d fit the show perfectly.”

Amanda Holden’s Enduring Success on BGT

Despite being a last-minute addition, Amanda Holden has become an integral part of Britain’s Got Talent, remaining on the panel for nearly two decades. The show, which started with Cowell, Holden, and Piers Morgan as judges, has evolved over the years, with various celebrity judges joining the panel. Currently, the lineup includes Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli, and occasional guest appearances by YouTuber KSI.

Cowell had nothing but praise for Holden, acknowledging her importance to the show. “She is our Britain’s Got Talent queen, and she deserves that crown.”

Cheryl’s Career Path

Although Cheryl didn’t end up on Britain’s Got Talent, she went on to be a judge on The X Factor UK from 2008 to 2010, mentoring two winning acts, Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry. She later made a brief appearance on the US version of The X Factor before returning to the UK show for two more seasons in 2014 and 2015.

Her decision to step away from BGT may have been surprising at the time, but it allowed Amanda Holden to cement her place as a fan favorite. Cowell and Holden have since formed a strong friendship, with Cowell considering her “one of my best friends.”

What If Cheryl Had Stayed?

It’s fascinating to consider how Britain’s Got Talent might have looked if Cheryl had accepted the role. Would she have stayed on the panel as long as Amanda? Would her presence have changed the show’s dynamic? While fans can only speculate, one thing is certain: Amanda Holden has more than proven herself as an indispensable part of the BGT brand.

As Britain’s Got Talent enters its 18th season, Holden remains a vital part of the series, showcasing her signature wit, charm, and emotional moments that have endeared her to audiences. Cowell’s revelation only adds another layer to the legacy of one of ITV’s biggest shows, proving that sometimes, last-minute decisions can lead to long-term success.

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