TV host Amanda Holden's plunging gown sparks complaints

When it comes to TV talent shows, all eyes are supposed to be on the contestants as they belt out a Mariah Carey ballad, juggle flaming torches or a woman is sawn in half while riding a unicycle and making doves appear out of their coat pockets.

That wasn’t the case during a recent episode of Britain’s Got Talent which saw judge Amanda Holden take centre stage, as it were, thanks to her head-turning midnight blue gown.

Britain's Got Talent host Amanda Holden's plunging gown sparked over 200 formal complaints. Photo: ITV.
Britain's Got Talent host Amanda Holden's plunging gown sparked over 200 formal complaints. Photo: ITV.

The 49-year-old singer/actor’s sparkling frock by Celia Kritharioti featured a thigh-high split and a show-stopping plunging neckline that put her décolletage on full display.

For some viewers at home, the deep V exposed a little too much cleavage prompting 235 formal complaints to Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, according to the Mirror.

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Others took to social media to vent their outrage over Amanda’s daring dress, with many suggesting that the outfit wasn’t suitable for a family-friendly Saturday night program.

“You looked ok but more like a porn star than a Sat night family show judge, this should go to an after-9pm show,” wrote one on Instagram.

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Some viewers thought the 49-year-old's strapless dress revealed a little too much. Photo: ITV.
Some viewers thought the 49-year-old's strapless dress revealed a little too much. Photo: ITV.

“Cover up youngsters are watching,” another bluntly stated.

Others were slightly less brutal in their feedback.

“You look gorgeous but still think its a bit OTT for Saturday night TV. Time place, audience,” one remarked.

On the other hand, Amanda’s dazzling look earned just as many admirers, with countless fans gushing over her appearance in the comments.

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“Stunning as always!” praised one.

“I would say "amen" but A-WOMAN sounds much better,” quipped another.

Amanda's wardrobe choice divided fans. Photo: Instagram/noholdenback.
Amanda's wardrobe choice divided fans. Photo: Instagram/noholdenback.
Some viewers loved her look, others thought it wasn't appropriate for family-friendly TV. Photo: Instagram/noholdenback.
Some viewers loved her look, others thought it wasn't appropriate for family-friendly TV. Photo: Instagram/noholdenback.

BGT’s Black Lives Matter complaints

It’s not the first time Britain’s Got Talent has sparked viewer backlash, with a recent controversial Black Lives Matter performance prompting a thousand Ofcom complaints.

Amanda’s fellow judge Ashley Banjo, who is filling in for an injured Simon Cowell on Britain’s Got Talent, joined his dance troupe Diversity on-stage for the routine which was filled with references to race-related events of the past few months.

At one point during the rousing performance, a dancer dressed as a police officer knelt on Ashley’s neck in a direct nod to the death of George Floyd in police custody earlier this year.

The routine divided fan opinion, with some taking to social media to praise Ashley, 31, and Diversity — who won BGT back in 2009 — while others shared their outrage and criticism.

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Ashley later shared the full performance video to Instagram, writing in the caption that he welcomed all types of feedback and was ‘sending nothing but love’ to everyone.

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