Amanda Holden has been married to her husband, Chris Hughes, for 14 years, and the star has now shared the one thing she has to do a few times a year to prove he’s still part of her family
Television star Amanda Holden has revealed she performs one particular ritual twice annually to demonstrate that husband Chris Hughes actually exists. Amanda, 54, has been married to Chris, 51, for 22 years, yet insists that despite the decades together, their union still feels incredibly fresh. The duo first crossed paths in 2003 before exchanging vows in 2008, and share two daughters, Lexi, 19, and Hollie, 13.
Nevertheless, the Britain’s Got Talent judge said there are certain activities she enjoys that Chris tries to avoid, including maintaining an active social media presence.
Consequently, Amanda reveals that several times annually, she compels record producer Chris to feature on her social media platforms to demonstrate he remains among the living.
She revealed to The Times: “It does still feel fresh. We’re very different people. He can’t stand the limelight, hates red carpets, hates turning up anywhere with me, so he doesn’t.
“Twice a year he gets forced to go on my Instagram just to prove he exists. I will only listen to him on the business side of life. In other ways I’m very spontaneous and don’t listen to him at all.”
This marks not the first occasion Amanda has discussed her marriage, acknowledging earlier this year that, similar to every couple, they continue experiencing highs and lows.
She told Hello!: “We have ups and downs like everyone else. But when I was looking at the pain and suffering that some of the people we were working with were going through, I felt so grateful that I had somebody in my life with no complications.
“My husband and I always have this joke where we go: ‘God, our relationship still feels so fresh.’
“Twenty-two years does feel like a long time, but it still feels new to me. I think that’s because it’s ever-evolving.”
Amanda also candidly discussed her personal preferences for relaxation.
When the Times asked whether she preferred a novel or Netflix, she confessed that it all hinges on the season.
She elaborated: “I have the biggest pile of books I’m taking on holiday, and I’m even more excited about reading them than I am about seeing long-lost friends.
“But in winter I’m up to my eyeballs in Netflix and Amazon Prime and Apple TV+. I love The Morning Show and Bad Sisters. The Handmaid’s Tale is hands-down the best thing I’ve ever seen.”