Amanda Holden says Cheryl Cole 'must be kicking herself' over Britain's Got Talent success
Amanda Holden has appeared as a judge alongside Simon Cowell on Britain's Got Talent since the show launched, by the star wasn't his first choice
Amanda Holden playfully remarked that Cheryl Cole "must be kicking herself" for turning down the opportunity to become part of the Britain's Got Talent judging line-up.
Cheryl, of Girls Aloud fame, was initially offered a spot on the popular ITV show but decided to withdraw just before filming commenced. At this juncture, the spotlight turned to Amanda, then 54, who was pursuing her acting career.
Simon, 65, says Amanda was an "interesting booking" at the time. But he knew she would "fit the show perfectly" after Cheryl turned it down.
Cheryl, 41, did however join forces with Simon on the X Factor in 2014, replacing Sharon Osbourne. On the Tea at Four podcast, Amanda revealed she was working on an ITV drama when approached by Simon, reports Belfast Live.
She said: "I was an actress to that point and I think Simon, it's famous that she asked Cheryl Cole to do it but she turned it down...I bet she's kicking herself. I love Cheryl, bless her, but she did go on to do X Factor.
"I think that was because I was in a drama called Wild At Heart and it was one of those classic Sunday night dramas, so Simon got me to do that. And from there I have just turned into a host and presenter and I don't really act anymore really."
Simon recently described Amanda as the "queen" of Britain's Got Talent. It came as he revealed the star "loves" watching the acts.
He remarked: "That's her, she honestly loves it. You know, every time I talk to her it makes me laugh because I say, 'you are loving this, aren't you?'
"Because there are days where I'm knackered and there's still an hour to go. And I'm like, wow, it's been a long day, and she's like, 'yeah, but it's brilliant, isn't it?'. She is our Britain's Got Talent queen and she deserves that crown."
The music mogul added: "And you know what? She was an interesting booking because 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. We literally had two judges and a week to book someone.
"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. Fast forward 18 years and she's still a huge success and we have become great friends. I do consider her one of my best friends."
Britain's Got Talent continues tonight (May 3) on ITV One at 7pm. Amanda and Simon will be joined by panellists Bruno Tonioli and Alesha Dixon as they decide which act makes it through the semi-final.l.