Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden has been married to Chris Hughes since 2008 and the TV star previously discussed their seperate lives, but she has now opened up about what keeps them strong
Samantha Masters Content Editor
16:00, 03 Jan 2026
Amanda Holden shared the ‘controversial’ way she keeps her marriage alive (Image: Karwai Tang, WireImagevia Getty Images)
TV star Amanda Holden has revealed how she keeps her marriage thriving with husband Chris Hughes, a record producer. The couple recently marked their 17th wedding anniversary, after saying “I do” in Somerset back in 2008.
While she’s confessed they’re not the sort of pair who swap presents on milestone moments, they show appreciation for one another in different ways.
Discussing their “very controversial” formula for a lasting marriage, Amanda revealed: “Everyone gets wrapped up with their children and their schedules and all the drama around your children when they’re growing up.
“But you have to remember that you and your husband were together first.”
The 54-year-old continued to Closer Magazine: “You have to invest in that relationship in order that you continue to have a relationship for your children’s sake as well as your own.
Amanda Holden and Chris Hughes married in 2008 (Image: INSTAGRAM)
“So, that is incredibly important. It is very controversial, but it’s also supported by research.”
Amanda and Chris have been an item for more than twenty years and share two daughters; Lexi, 19, and Hollie, 13.
They first crossed paths in 2003 in Los Angeles, after her split from Les Dennis.
Despite sharing a home as a family unit, the radio presenter has previously acknowledged they lead “separate lives”.
Speaking on Heart Radio, she explained: “Our lives have been very separate for a long time because we’re both very busy.
“Obviously, we’re very happily married, but we do lots of things separately. I love my Peloton and running, he goes and plays squash.
“He’s got a massive career as well. We’re always separate, you know.”
In an effort to plan more quality time together, Amanda revealed her husband suggested they take up Badminton.
Amanda Holden with Ant and Dec on Limitless Win (Image: ITV)
Back in February, she told listeners: “We often play it in the summer in the back garden and with the kids.
“It’s such a good game, I’ve always loved it. We are going to be playing our first ever Badminton match tomorrow.
“I love a Badminton racket, because you can really whack that shuttlecock and I love the noise.”
It’s not the first time the Britain’s Got Talent judge has discussed her marriage openly.
Speaking previously to OK! Magazine, she revealed a good sense of humour was essential for a lasting relationship.
She added: “Plus I really fancy Chris. We’ll be eating dinner in a restaurant, he’ll go to the loo, then I’ll look up and catch a glimpse of a man and think he’s fit! Then I’ll realise, ‘Gosh, that’s my husband!'”
Amanda appears on Ant and Dec’s Limitless Win Christmas Special today at 4.30pm on ITV and ITVX. For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new Everything Gossip website.
