The Britain’s Got Talent judge has opened up about life at home with husband Chris Hughes, their rescue pets, and the household rules that spark occasional disagreements
Daniel Windham Assistant Editor, Trendswatch
17:45, 04 Apr 2026
She has been married to Chris Hughes since 2008(Image: David M. Benett, Getty Images)
Amanda Holden has spoken candidly about her home life with husband Chris Hughes — disclosing that even within their enduring marriage, certain household rules occasionally trigger disagreements.
The pair navigate a hectic family life with their daughters, Lexi and Hollie, dividing their time between their stylish Surrey residence and a more tranquil Cotswolds retreat. However, their most significant point of contention isn’t regarding interior design or location — it concerns their pets.
Amanda explained that animals occupy a central place in her life, with their home brimming with cherished rescue pets. Speaking to The Times, the Britain’s Got Talent judge revealed the first thing she does upon arriving home.
She said: “I kick off my heels then lie on the floor so the dogs can lick my face. I have two rescues: Rudie, a 14-year-old Yorkshire terrier/Jack Russell cross, and Minnie, a one-year-old toy spaniel/shih tzu cross.”
The household also includes two cats, one of which they rescued while on holiday in Greece. “We also have an old moggy, Muffy, who is a 15-year-old Siberian ball of fluff, and a cat we rescued from Corfu this year after he visited us every day in our villa. We call him Bolt because he legs it everywhere.”
Amanda Holden and Chris Hughes (Image: INSTAGRAM/AMANDAHOLDEN)
While Amanda, 55, is happy to let the animals roam freely wherever they like, her husband has established a firm rule. “I’m not fussy about where the animals are allowed but my husband is, so they all have to sleep downstairs,” she explained, reports the Mirror.
However, when Chris is away, the regulations tend to slip. “I love it if my husband’s away because then they’ll sleep on the bed with me.”
The couple, who wed in 2008, have created a life together that combines Amanda’s passion for striking interiors with family warmth. Their Surrey residence, she says, was completely reimagined after they purchased it.
She said: “Our Surrey home is beautifully decorated with big chandeliers, a sweeping staircase, and high ceilings. When we bought it, it was a boring box of white. I ripped it apart and turned it into Annabel’s!”
Their Cotswolds retreat, by contrast, has a gentler atmosphere. “More muted and calm, with whites, creams, and sage,” she said, describing crackling fires, ambient lighting, and generous sofas made for unwinding.
Amanda Holden(Image: Getty Images)
When discussing home entertainment, Amanda disclosed that the family benefits from some indulgence at both properties, with a swimming pool in the Surrey garden and a hot tub at the Cotswolds house. She did confess, though, that the swimming pool triggers another dispute with her husband.
“I’ll use the swimming pool at least once a week. It’s an expensive, lovely luxury to have, even though my husband turns into Jim Royle [the belligerent father in sitcom The Royle Family] and turns the heating down. I’ve no idea what temperature it is but it’s cold,” she admitted.
Regarding interior design, Amanda acknowledges she typically has the last word. As she expressed it: “My husband’s had to give up now and let me have free rein.”
Amanda Holden will return to our screens for Britain’s Got Talent tonight, March 4, at 6:45 pm on ITV.
