Amanda Holden teases ‘secret project’ with Alan Carr after his ‘unbelievable year’

Amanda and Alan first met around two decades ago and have forged a strong bond over the years — and it seems their professional partnership could be set to continue, too

Amanda Holden and Alan Carr have been close friends for years. They first met around two decades ago at a charity event, where they presented an award together. Since then, they’ve forged a strong bond, with Amanda appearing on Alan’s chat show Chatty Man before the pair went on to co-host their own travel series, Amanda and Alan’s Italian Job.

Alan has previously spoken about his relationship with the Britain’s Got Talent judge, likening her to “Superwoman” and saying she’s always wanting to “make the most” of her downtime. Speaking to Kelly Brook on his Life’s A Beach podcast, he said he has to “give (her) a rosé just to calm her down”.

While their BBC renovation show has been put on hold for the time being as Alan embarks on a solo Disney+ venture in Scotland, it appears there could be something else in the works for the duo.

Speaking to The Mail’s Weekend Magazine, she disclosed: “We’re just about to sign for a new show, but I’m not allowed to say anything. It’s completely different.

“It’s amazing that Alan hasn’t told anyone, to be honest: as soon as he came out of Traitors, he told me he’d won it, and he’d signed a non-disclosure agreement!”

Alan’s next project is Castle Man (working title), a Hulu Original that sees him swap renovations for the reality of owning and managing a historic castle. The series comes from Expectation (Clarkson’s Farm, Alma’s Not Normal), with cameras already rolling.

Reflecting on the concept, Alan previously remarked: “Some men, when they have a midlife crisis, buy a Lamborghini or grow a ponytail, but me – I want my very own castle.

“Since I was a boy in Northampton, I’ve always dreamt big, and have always been enchanted with the history and romance of a stately home, and as I turn fifty, I feel it’s my time. All I want is a turret to call my own – get me over that drawbridge.”

Amanda raised eyebrows on Heart Radio after sharing her “unconventional” celebrity crushes. During a live chat with co-host Jamie Theakston, she confessed she’s always had a soft spot for “follically challenged men”.

She also rattled off a selection of her favourite famous faces: Owen Wilson, Jack Nicholson, Thomas Sweeney, Peter Dinklage and Stephen Graham. Amanda further admitted to having a crush on Grand Designs’ Kevin McCloud.

In a remarkable coincidence, he happened to be making his way to the studio at that very moment.

She exclaimed: “You are lying! Oh my god. How did you get him in?” Upon his arrival, she embraced him and gushed: “Look how wonderful he dresses as well, he’s such a smart, snappy dresser.”

Responding to Amanda’s confession, Kevin quipped: “Look, I know you call it unconventional and not weird, but I think it’s a bit weird.”