Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden said she “lost respect” for the Hollywood legend after her co-star’s awkward interview, before making a U-turn on her remarks
Samantha Masters Content Editor
17:00, 18 Apr 2026
Amanda Holden called the Hollywood star ‘a plonker'(Image: Heart Breakfast)
Amanda Holden has made a U-turn on her remarks after calling a Hollywood legend “a plonker”. Back on Heart Radio this week alongside co-host Jamie Theakston, the duo invited listeners to suggest which celebrity could lead Earth during an alien invasion.
Reviewing the responses, one listener proposed Morgan Freeman, which Jamie endorsed as an excellent suggestion, noting he “is the voice of God”. He remarked: “He’s got a wonderful voice,” though queried the actor’s jewellery choices following a past interview.
“I interviewed him once, he was wearing a sort of dangly earring and I was thinking, what’s that all about?”, he said.
Recalling the incident, she interjected: “I saw that and I sort of, I’m going to say, I lost a little bit of respect [for him] because he just looked like a bit of a plonker.”
While she wasn’t keen on his accessories, she added: “I love him and he’s an amazing actor, but why are you wearing that silly Pat Butcher earring?”
Morgan Freeman revealed the poignant reason behind his earrings
Looking back on his interview, Jamie said Morgan “wasn’t [his] favourite interviewee” and branded him as “spikey” during their conversation.
Moments afterwards, Amanda made a U-turn on her comments after recalling the significance behind the earring.
In 2019, the actor disclosed he wears gold jewellery for a touching reason, telling fans: “The truth is, these are worth just enough for someone to buy me a coffin if I die in a strange place. That’s why sailors used to wear them and that’s why I do.”
After discussing the explanation, Amanda said: “I apologise profusely to Morgan Freeman now. I don’t think he’s a plonker anymore, I think he’s very savvy.”
Morgan isn’t the only Hollywood star to be branded a challenging interviewee. Earlier this month, Graham Norton claimed Mark Wahlberg was the worst guest on his chat show to date.
Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden
Speaking to The Mirror, he said: “The famous (worst guest) was Mark Wahlberg, I guess. He was fine when he came on the show.
“There was not a hint of it and then about 20 minutes into the show (alcohol) caught up with him.
“Oh, it was bad. At one point Mark was asleep on the couch in front of the audience.”
Elaborating on the experience at Henley Literary Festival 2025, he told the audience: “If you ever see a drunk person on the show, it’s because they’ve arrived drunk – we have not made that happen.
“Mark Wahlberg was a weird one because when he arrived, he didn’t seem drunk. He told me about his film, told me a couple of stories about stunts going wrong or whatever, and then it was only 15 minutes into the show when whatever the hell was in his system really took hold – and it was hell.”
Britain’s Got Talent airs tonight at 7pm on ITV and ITVX
