BGT's Amanda Holden looks incredible in plunging white gown after hitting back at complaints
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Judge Amanda, 54, was a vision in the custom Saint. Hendrix number, which included a plunging turtle neck and midriff structures matching her headpiece.
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BGT's Amanda Holden looked incredible in a racy white gown for tonight's final
Credit: ITV
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She was a vision in the custom Saint. Hendrix number
Credit: ITV
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The actress made her grand entrance alongside Simon Cowell, Bruno Tonioli and Alesha Dixon
Credit: ITV
The actress flashed a beaming smile while making her grand entrance alongside Simon Cowell, Bruno Tonioli and Alesha Dixon - and a pair of stunning dancers.
She wore her blonde locks in a sleek bun and accentuated her natural beauty with a full face of make-up.
It was just hours ago that Amanda clapped back at Ofcom complaints over her daring BGT wardrobe - insisting she "really loves" her sexy attire.
The presenter spoke out ahead of the reality TV show's
read more on Amanda Holden
Amanda is well-known
for her
on the
Britain's Got Talent
panel,
and
has
for some of her most controversial
selections.
In the past she's sparked
outraged over her flashing the flesh.
This has included a plunging wet-look dress as well as garments with plunging necklines for the family-friendly tea-time series.
Now she has insisted: "What you see on TV, I really love.
Most read in Reality
"I'm always asked about the Ofcom complaints, but every outfit on the show is checked before I leave my dressing room, so I'm never worried."
She added to
It remains to be seen what she will wear during the show final this weekend.
SPEAK OUT
The mum of two previously insisted BGT is "the perfect opportunity to take risks".
She previously told The Sun her outfits are so famously controversial they're now monitored before she steps on-stage.
"There's now a whole body of people that knock on my door and come and stare at my chest before we go on air," she explained.
Simon Cowell makes HUGE dig at Amanda Holden's age in Britain's Got Talent live show judges row-
There's a t*t committee. There are so many brilliant people, they come down, knock on the door and there's the lady who's the producer who said, 'Mandy, it looks great'."
Meanwhile, cheeky Amanda recently revealed her
She confessed to The Sun she might sex up her overalls for any future series of Amanda & Alan's Spanish Job.
She said: 'It's a joy to wear something so different, and nice to be able to breathe out, with no side boob.
Amanda Holden's sexiest holiday pictures
Amanda isn't afraid to flash the flesh and post pictures of her incredible holiday style
When she balanced in a bikini
When she
When she celebrated her
And went
When she posed
When she showed off her
"Though next year I might have some side boob.
'For now, I always go pretty classy and standard. I've got my name on the back, but I didn't even do that in Spanish — I've got Handy Mandy. I should have put Handios Mandios.'
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The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
We swapped cocktails in Ibiza for summer holiday in Afghanistan… why it's become unlikely tourist hotspot for Brit women
STROLLING along a pristine street adorned with shrines glittering in the sunshine and cafes offering tasty local delicacies, Carrie Patsalis snaps a photo for her holiday album. But this isn't a city break in the Advertisement 21 Carrie Patsalis swapped cocktails in Ibiza for a holiday to Afghanistan Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Unlike local women who aren't allowed out of their homes, Carrie was able to soak up the culture and enjoy local delicacies Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Carrie visited cultural monuments and shrines during her trip to the country, which is under strict Taliban rule Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Despite its oppressive regime and appalling human rights record - and an advisory against all travel to the country from the UK government - Carrie is one of a growing number of British women who have swapped cocktails in Ibiza for a holiday in one of the world's top terror hotspots. Only 691 tourists are believed to have visited the country in 2021, but this rose to an estimated 5,200 in 2023 as the government is trying to encourage more tourism. Earlier this month the Taliban launched a warped campaign to lure more visitors, complete with a bizarre video showing spoof hostages and gunmen in the back of pick-up trucks and frolicking in lakes amid stunning mountain scenery. Ever since Afghanistan - which doesn't have a British embassy - was seized by Taliban authorities in 2021, its citizens have experienced Advertisement READ MORE FEATURES In August last year women's voices were banned from being heard outside of the house and they are not allowed to visit public parks, gyms or use transport without a male chaperone. Authorities dictate how they dress, and Afghan women do not have access to education beyond primary school level. Anyone who is critical of the Taliban regime faces being tortured. However, it is slowly becoming an unlikely destination for brave travellers looking for a true culture shock. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Home-stays are not allowed and tourists can only stay in hotels verified by the Taliban. Carrie, a media producer from Wanstead, London, travelled by herself to Afghanistan for 10 days, accompanied by a male tour guide. Taliban launches warped Afghan TOURISM campaign with vid of brutes posing beside 'hostage' in ISIS-style mock execution Just six days after she left, a terrorist attack saw three Spanish tourists killed in the Bamiyan province, the largest in the Central region. A tour guide Carrie met during a trip to neighbouring Pakistan encouraged her to visit Afghanistan, insisting it would 'blow her mind'. Advertisement But it took two years before she even considered it as she didn't want to support the controversial Taliban regime. She eventually decided she wanted to see for herself what local life was like for Afghan people. After extensive research she found a local guide she felt comfortable with who helped her book the trip and answered questions over FaceTime. Carrie told The Sun: "He said, 'You've got to come, it'll blow your mind, it's not what you think.' Advertisement 'I was like, 'No way, absolutely not.' I felt like if I went I was supporting something I don't agree with. The first thing that struck me was how super clean the streets were. Everything was very quiet and calm. You'd imagine it would be carnage and it wasn't Carrie Patsalis 'It took me a lot of time and consideration, and then I just thought, 'Maybe if I go, I can see how local life is and we can talk about it on social media.' "It was a risk but I felt I'd done enough research." Carrie only told her husband and 16-year-old twin sons about the trip to avoid scaring the rest of her family. Advertisement It cost her just over £1,100 for a return flight to Afghanistan, and she stopped off for two days in Dubai to collect her visa which cost around £220. Landing at Kabul International Airport on May 2 last year, she was surprised to be greeted by 'massive smiles'. She recalled: "I was nervous flying in as there is no British embassy. Hospitals are not well-equipped at all. I took my own medical supplies in and I went in very, very steady. "The first thing that struck me was how super clean the streets were. Everything was very quiet and calm. You'd imagine it would be carnage and it wasn't. Advertisement "Afghan people are very kind, sweet and shy. You notice immediately there are no women on the streets." Unpleasant encounter 21 Carrie visited 'White Flag Hill', home to a large white flag raised by the Taliban that features the Islamic declaration of faith in black writing Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Carrie was shocked when a local man asked her for a picture, only to be escorted away by Taliban guards Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media During her stay in Kabul, the capital, she visited stunning shrines, reflected on the impact of War at Babur Garden and tasted local delicacies. Advertisement One day she visited 'White Flag Hill', home to a large white flag raised by the Taliban that features the Islamic declaration of faith in black writing. Feeling out of place as the only woman up the hill, she was shocked to witness a local man be punished simply for asking to take a photo with her. Carrie said: "I noticed that the men up there were intrigued [by me] but also backing away from me. "One young guy came up to me and was like, 'It's amazing to see you here' and we had a chat. Taliban guards were floating like sharks. Advertisement 'He said to me, 'Can I take a photo with you?' "The Taliban guard came and pushed him in the back of the head and took him off. I assume he got his photo deleted and we have to hope that nothing more happened. 'It's a real shame because for me in my world, everything he did was normal. White Flag Hill was not pleasant." Days later she took a one-hour flight to Kandahar, a city Advertisement I noticed that the men up there were intrigued [by me] but also backing away from me Carrie Patsalis With Taliban checkpoints and patrols, Carrie was 'nervous' about stepping foot in a place with such strict government control. 'It just felt a lot more serious there,' she said. Sniffer dogs and armed Taliban guards lined the airport and Carrie was struck by the heightened security checks for tourists, which saw her bag checked five times. She feared one of her camera sticks could be mistaken for a weapon, but it wasn't that which generated panic. Advertisement Carrie said: "I remembered the very last thing I'd shoved in my bag was a purple Victoria's Secret bra. "One of the guys managed to pull the bra out by its strap so it dangled lengthways in the air for quite some time. "The remaining four men looked horrified and clearly didn't know what to do with themselves. "The main guy had seemingly frozen and suddenly he dropped the bra as if it was a grenade." Advertisement The incident ended up cutting short what could have been a gruelling search process - as guards accepted Carrie's offer to help repack the offending garment and the rest of her bag. Trailed by Taliban guard s 21 In Kandahar, Carrie's tour guide drove her through the lively city for a day of visiting the beautiful mosques and historic landmarks Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Carrie was trailed the whole day by a man on a motorbike, seemingly a Taliban guard keeping an eye on her Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Carrie captured the man on the bike on her camera Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Advertisement 21 Local Afghan women are denied an education past primary school age Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media In Kandahar, Carrie's tour guide drove her through the lively city for a day of visiting the beautiful mosques and historic landmarks such as the Friday Mosque, known for housing the cloak of the Prophet Muhammad. During the six-hour trip, the tour guide parked up the car to allow Carrie to admire the historical shrines. Carrie was trailed the whole time by a guy on a motorbike, who she figured was a Taliban member linked to the tourism office, ordered to keep an eye on her. Advertisement Carrie said: "He was always at a bit of a distance but he was always there. Every time we went to a shrine he was there about 10 or 20 feet away. "If I turned my head he'd turn and pretend to be looking at the mosque. He obviously assumed I was oblivious. The guard was always at a bit of a distance but he was always there. Every time we went to a shrine he was there about 10 or 20 feet away Carrie Patsalis 'When we went for lunch he parked down the side of the restaurant and sure enough drove out when we drove off. "He followed us for the rest of the day and then went off." Advertisement Carrie realised she was an 'unusual' site in Afghanistan given the lack of tourists and freedom for women. "Obviously they're wary of me,' she said. 'They've been bombed for years so they're not going to just let anyone in. "If you go in knowing and understanding why they might be frightened of you then you will understand why they are following you. "I'd rather the Taliban know where I am because they can see I'm not doing anything dodgy. Advertisement "It's really easy to wrap up an entire nation with a regime but actually most of the people, even if they work for the Taliban, they work for the Taliban to put food on the table. "It doesn't necessarily mean they support the oppression of women." Foreign privilege 21 Throughout her travels Carrie couldn't forget her 'foreign privilege' as unlike local women, she could visit public places Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Carrie said her trip to Afghanistan was incredibly rewarding and she wants to go back Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Advertisement 21 Carrie recommends anyone interested in travelling to Afghanistan does their research beforehand Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Throughout her travels Carrie couldn't forget her 'foreign privilege' as unlike local women, she could visit public places, which she admitted 'didn't sit right'. While she encourages others to experience the country's 'beautiful culture', she urges people to be 'completely aware of the risks' before travelling there. Carrie said: "My trip to Afghanistan was incredibly rewarding and I do want to go back. Advertisement 'What I wouldn't do is say, 'Sure, go and book your flight now.' 'It is a regime that is not recognised politically by many governments around the world. If you go you must be completely aware of the risks and it must be a risk you are willing to take. "But when we only talk about the Taliban and women we lose the opportunity to celebrate what is a beautiful culture." 'No more dangerous than UK night out' 21 Zoe Stephens has visited Afghanistan three times between August last year and June 2025 Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Advertisement 21 Zoe travels with a group of up to eight women and with local female tour guides to get a glimpse into the daily lives of women and girls living there Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Zoe sticks to following cultural norms to avoid unwanted attention Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Zoe Stephens, 31, who works for Koryo Tours and lives in Crosby, Liverpool, has visited Afghanistan three times between August 2024 and June 2025. She travels with a group of up to eight women and with local female tour guides to get a glimpse into the daily lives of women and girls living there. Advertisement It took a year of researching and planning, which included a research trip in August 2024, before she was able to safely take her first tour group there. Zoe said: "Everything is a risk in life. For me, the risk of going to Afghanistan is no more dangerous than walking the streets of a bustling city centre on a dark night. "People always think they know better. They always warn you against going to these places. "I'm confident in myself to go to these places because of my ability to handle any tricky situation, and if I didn't then I wouldn't go. Advertisement Everything is a risk in life. For me, the risk of going to Afghanistan is no more dangerous than walking the streets of a bustling city centre on a dark night Zoe Stephens 'I had chatted to other travellers who'd been there and done my research. I wanted to see what it's really like." Zoe doesn't let any of her group walk around alone and sticks to cultural norms to avoid unwanted attention. Recounting her first-hand experiences with the 'morality police' - a law enforcement body which implements strict interpretation of Islamic morality - she said: 'They're the ones you have to watch out for. "It's not allowed for women to go into public parks. There are a couple of instances where they very politely enforce these laws. Advertisement 'If you're a woman and you're there then they may come up to you and politely ask you to leave. "It's a very brief insight into the daily life of what the women there have to deal with. "The biggest rule is how you're dressed. I always go on respecting and trying to blend in rather than sticking out and challenging any cultural norms. 'That would be to wear clothing down to your wrists and ankles and having your hair covered at all times. Advertisement "The main thing is modesty, not just in clothing but in behaviour as well. I wouldn't recommend going around singing and dancing." Pro-tourism 21 Zoe saw first-hand how the Taliban are trying to encourage more tourism Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Zoe says visitors must be wary of the 'morality police' Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Zoe said the Afghan women she came into contact with were ' so similar to us' Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Advertisement Zoe and her group took part in traditional embroidery and cooking classes with local women and visited a women's retreat centre. She said it allowed her to see a different side to the lives of Afghan women. "When all we see in the media is Afghan women as shapes behind cloth, that's all we see them as,' she said. 'The Afghan women that I know and have seen and danced with, gossiped with and laughed with, are women who have great ambition and are so similar to us. Advertisement "But the reality for some people is they're not allowed to leave their house. It's about seeing these different dimensions." The traveller says she saw first-hand how the Taliban are trying to encourage more tourism. The Afghan women that I know and have seen and danced with, gossiped with and laughed with, are women who have great ambition and are so similar to us. But the reality for some people is they're not allowed to leave their house Zoe Stephens During her stay in Kandahar, a government minister decided to film her group as part of a 'propaganda video' by the Taliban for its X account. But she wasn't allowed to be part of it because she is a woman. Advertisement Zoe said: "At the moment, for a traveller, the authorities are on your side. It's in your favour to cooperate with them. It was a surprise during my first visit. "When you speak to them you realise there are varying levels and not everyone subscribes to certain ideologies. "The minister wanted to get us on camera and make films, literal propaganda videos. They're very pro-tourism.' Zoe would recommend Afghanistan as a travel destination to Brits to better understand the culture and people - but she advises caution. Advertisement 'Afghanistan has quickly become one of my favourite countries. You need to experience it to believe it,' she said. "The amount of things the Afghans have been through compared to their warmth, resilience and friendliness, they're just incredible people. "Do your research beforehand, and if you're not willing to follow the cultural norms and be respectful, then don't go.' 21 Zoe and her group took part in traditional embroidery and cooking classes with local women Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Advertisement 21 Zoe says Afghanistan is one of her favourite countries to visit Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Zoe would recommend Afghanistan as a travel destination to Brits to better understand the culture and people - but she advises caution Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Amanda Holden's lookalike daughter Lexi goes public with boyfriend in steamy snaps – as BGT host shares her thoughts
AMANDA Holden's teenager daughter Lexi Hughes did not hold back when going Instagram official with her boyfriend. Lexi, 19, is currently on holiday with her famous mum and new man in Greece, and shared photos of the loved-up pair enjoying a snog on a luxury boat. Advertisement 4 Lexi Hughes with her mum, Amanda Holden Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 4 Lexi went Instagram official with boyfriend Credit: Instagram 4 The TV family are currently on holiday in Greece Credit: noholdenback/Instagram The "Vitamin D and a little PDA," Lexi captioned the Instagram post. She was inundated with comments, including from Britain's Got Talent judge mum, who posted a love-heart eye emoji in reply to the photo. Another person commented: "oh get it get it." Advertisement amanda holden "HELLO," added another. Before their trip, Lexi and Amanda , 54, were recently spotted in Wimbledon looking glamourous while watching the tennis on Centre Court. The Britain's Got Talent judge put on a stunning display in a yellow sleeveless dress and giant sunglasses. Lexi wore a white crop top and pinstripe trousers, accessorising with mirrored shades. Advertisement Most read in TV Exclusive Exclusive While Lexi is often compared to her TV mum, Amanda revealed that her oldest daughter finds it embarrassing when people compare them. 'I think they find it a bit embarrassing,' Amanda told Amanda beams with joy as Lexi finishes school 'Lexi said that there are a lot of people at uni who make cheeky comments, which I find very flattering. 'Hollie doesn't really give a damn. But I do have to walk behind her. She doesn't want anyone to know I'm her mother!' Advertisement Amanda also admitted to struggling with the fact Lexi has flown the nest and is now at university. 'I miss her like crazy and it's really weird sitting down to a family meal with just the three of us. The house does feel a bit empty, so I'm just gradually filling it up with more pets," Amanda said. "We've recently rescued a dog from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and I'm planning to rescue another one in September. We've also got a cat and another dog.' Amanda is realistic about her daughters getting older and is proud of how Lexi, who also Advertisement 'I do miss her but, at the same time, it's really nice seeing her become a little bit more independent,' she explains. 'She's all loved-up. She's got good friends and I like her strong morals.' 4 Amanda admitted to missing Lexi now that the teen is at university Credit: Instagram
The Irish Sun
9 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Ireland legend joins Jacqui Hurley in making quirky prediction for Women's Euros semi from RTE couch
LOUISE Quinn and Jacqui Hurley both said "Viva España" when it came to predicting a winner between Spain and Germany. While that wasn't anything groundbreaking, the manner with which they did so was a bit more creative than the norm as they tapped into each country's respective food culture. 4 Cork native Jacqui is clearly a big fan of paella 4 Louise Quinn also backed the tournament favourites to advance 4 Aitana Bonmatí scored as the World Cup holders look to add another major trophy to their collection Credit: Getty 4 Spain will now play England on Sunday at 5pm Host Jacqui held up a sign that said: "Paella > Schnitzel." Explaining her rationale, she added: "If I was at the game tonight this would be the sign I'd hold up because not only are Spain going to beat Germany but paella is way better than schnitzel." Meanwhile Similarly, she tacked on: "If I was at the game I'd hold this sign up because I think Spain are going to beat Germany." Read More On Irish Football They were proven right in the end though the World Cup holders were taken to extra-time before Aitana Bonmatí The two-time Ballon d'Or winner's near-post strike was the only goal of the game and set up a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final between themselves and England. Nothing could separate the two teams until the 113th minute when substitute Athenea del Castillo sent Bonmatí through on goal. Most read in Football After turning Rebecca Knaak, the midfielder caught Ann-Katrin Berger out of position by finding a small gap at the near post. Spain dominated the ball throughout but Germany were able to break their high press on multiple occasions, with Giovanna Hoffmann misfiring twice and Klara Bühl dragging her early effort wide in the first half. Embarrassing moment Neymar celebrates wildly and breaks corner flag after 'scoring' only to find out ball didn't go in Montse Tomé's side came close to taking the lead on the brink of half-time, with Esther González forcing a brilliant close-range save from Berger after receiving a long ball from Patri Guijarro in the box. Clàudia Pina then challenged the Germany goalkeeper once again just moments later, although Berger was just about able to keep the ball out. Spain's first big opportunity of the second half came when Bonmatí turned past Knaak with the drop of a shoulder before shooting, but her effort was blocked by the outstretched knee of Sophia Kleinherne. Although they struggled in possession throughout, Germany looked dangerous on the break with Bühl especially causing problems for the Spanish back four. CLOSE CALLS The 24-year-old came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock with a free kick from over 25 yards out in the late stages of normal time, but her curled effort narrowly ran past the post. Spain quickly responded, with substitute Salma Paralluelo attempting an audacious backheeled shot just outside the six-yard box which was calmly collected by Berger. The forward then narrowly missed the opportunity to tap-in a low-driven cross from Athenea del Castillo before the final whistle. Bühl came close once again with just a few seconds left to play when her effort from outside the box took a huge deflection off Olga Carmona, looping upwards and forcing Cata Coll into a crucial save on the line. Carlotta Wamser jumped onto the rebound of the goalkeeper's initial save, forcing a huge second block which ultimately took the clash to extra time. Bonmatí's strike fired La Roja to their first-ever competitive win over Germany.
