Amanda Holden, 54, appearance distracts ITV BGT viewers as Simon Cowell warns ‘be careful’ over risqué outfit

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ITV
Marcus Donaldson

By Marcus Donaldson


Published: 04/05/2025

- 14:09

Holden showed off the eye-catching outfit ahead of the semi-final

Amanda Holden sparked the imagination of ITV Britain’s Got Talent viewers with her bold wardrobe choice during Saturday’s semi-final competition.

The 54-year-old presenter grabbed attention away from a controversial magic act and an 11-year-old guitar maestro during this weekend’s show.


Holden opted for a lilac figure-hugging gown by Toni Maticevski, which featured an unusual asymmetrical fitted bodice with a plunging neckline.

Ahead of the show, the fan-favourite judge showed off her semi-final outfit in a series of glamorous snaps and a clip posted to her Instagram.

Amanda Holden

Holden had viewers distracted with her eye-catching wardrobe choice

ITV

During the show itself, Holden’s dress choice became a subject of a cheeky jibe from her fellow judge, Simon Cowell, as an act interacted with the panel.

In the early stages of Alexandria Burgio’s controversial magic act involving hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, the magician asked Holden if she could use her phone as part of the performance.

Holden agreed under the desk to retrieve it, but appeared to have a little trouble with her dress, prompting her to say something off mic.

"Be careful there, Amanda," Cowell quipped, seemingly implying the risk of a wardrobe malfunction to the delight of the other judges, with Bruno Tonioli guffawing off-screen.

BGT judges

Cowell couldn't resist making a cheeky comment about Holden's dress

ITV

A giggling but slightly guarded Holden appeared to shield her phone away from Burgio while she swiped on the screen.

"No, don’t do that one," Cowell joked again, leaning over to peer at her screen, which amused the presenter.

Burgio assured: "You all look smashing this evening!"

Holden’s eye-catching dress proved to be just that, with viewers sharing their views on social media.

One questioned on X: "Um what is Amanda wearing & how is it staying put?"

"#BGT Amanda has a lot of scaffolding in her dress," another joked cheekily.

Fans also were divided on the dress itself, with one blasting: "Amanda's dress is horrendous! She usually looks great but no to that dress love."

However, another glowed: "Love the colour of Amanda's dress tonight #BGT."

The debate comes as Holden faces backlash for her new Netflix gig Cheat: Unfinished Business, which attempts to reunite former couples whose relationships ended due toinfidelity.

Hosted by Holden and relationship expert Paul C. Brunson, the show will attempt to have couples "face up to their past mistakes, rebuild trust and move forward - either together or apart".

The tricky subject matter prompted a string of responses, with many baffled as to why Holden is willing to take part, while others felt the subject matter was too "triggering" to be used as the basis of light entertainment.

Responding to Netflix's X account's promotion of the series, one person strongly wrote: "You're contributing to the moral decay of society," followed by a thumbs-up emoji.

"This show is heartbreaking and VERY triggering, cheating is a MASSIVE betrayal, how can you cheat on someone you 'love' and apparently consider your best friend? #CheatUnfinishedBusiness," another penned.