Tv & Film

Amanda Holden Shares Bold Marriage Advice Ahead of Netflix Launch

Published 6 hours ago on Apr 26, 2025

Amanda Holden Reveals Bold Marriage Advice and How Husband Chris Hughes Keeps the Spark Alive Ahead of Netflix Show Launch.

Amanda Holden is known for her sparkling personality, quick wit, and glamorous style — and now she’s opening up about her marriage secrets ahead of her latest project. As she prepares to launch her new Netflix series Cheat: Unfinished Business, the 54-year-old TV star has revealed some controversial relationship advice that she believes has helped keep her 17-year marriage to husband Chris Hughes stronger than ever.

In her new reality show, Amanda teams up with renowned relationship expert Paul C. Brunson, 50, to help eight ex-couples reconnect and confront their past issues at a luxurious retreat in Mallorca. Speaking ahead of the show's premiere, Amanda shared with MailOnline the valuable relationship lessons she picked up during filming — and how they have already impacted her own marriage.

One of the most striking pieces of advice Amanda learned came from her co-host Paul, who suggested that in a marriage, the spouse must come first — even before the children. “That is an unusual thing to hear,” Amanda admitted. “I heard that from Paul, and I was like, God, I have to prioritise my husband.”

Amanda, who shares daughters Lexi, 19, and Hollie, 13, with Chris, reflected on the idea that many couples lose sight of their relationship amidst the busyness of raising children. “Everyone gets wrapped up with their children and their schedules and all the drama around your children when they're growing up," she said. "But you have to remember that you and your husband were there together first."

She continued, emphasizing the importance of investing in the marriage for the sake of the entire family. “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. It is very controversial, but it's also supported by research.”

In addition to her thought-provoking advice, Amanda revealed the cheeky way her husband Chris Hughes, a record producer, keeps their spark alive after nearly two decades together. "My husband plays guitar and he's so obsessed with my bum he made up a whole song about it!" she laughed. "I had my bum sculpted, and he's got it as a piece of art in his office!"

Amanda, who married Chris in 2008 after a five-year relationship, added that their connection has only deepened over time. “It gets better with time,” she said. “The more you communicate, the more you feel at ease and that you can be yourself for somebody. The more you desire them and want to be with them everywhere.”

She further explained that feeling safe and being able to be vulnerable with a partner is the key to lasting intimacy, a theme deeply explored in Cheat: Unfinished Business. "That's what this entire show has been about — those couples trying to feel safe with each other again and Paul giving them that guiding light to get there."

Amanda’s journey to happiness wasn’t always smooth. She was previously married to comedian Les Dennis, 71. They tied the knot in 1995 when Amanda was just 22 and Les was 40. Their marriage ultimately ended in 2003 following Amanda’s highly publicized affair with actor Neil Morrissey, 62. Despite the painful chapter, Les has since expressed that he harbors no ill will, telling reporters he is "happy that she's happy" now. Les has also found love again, marrying Claire Nicholson after his previous marriages to Lynne Webster and Amanda.

Meanwhile, Amanda’s career continues to flourish with her new Netflix series, which brings together an intriguing cast of familiar faces and real-life heartbreaks. Among the contestants are Love Island stars Rebecca Gormley and Biggs Chris, who are ready to confront the reasons behind their split. Other couples featured include non-league footballer Craig and his ex-girlfriend Jazz, who grapple with betrayal from a double life, as well as store manager Olivia and PT Liam, who share a decade-long history.

In the first-look trailer, Amanda stuns viewers in a sheer, nude dress adorned with silver sequins as she confidently walks into the show's villa. She issues a powerful warning: “Cheating is one of the most heartbreaking betrayals of trust.” With Paul’s expert guidance, the couples must decide whether their relationships are worth rebuilding.

Cheat: Unfinished Business marks Amanda’s first venture as a dating show host, a full-circle moment considering she first found fame as a 19-year-old contestant on Blind Date. Today, Amanda, a co-host on Heart Breakfast, is a trusted name in British entertainment.

Despite her past experiences, Amanda is open to the idea of her daughters participating in dating shows — with one notable exception. "As long as it’s not Love Island," she quipped.

Amanda’s co-host Paul C. Brunson, who has been married to his childhood sweetheart Jill for 23 years, also brings a wealth of expertise to the show. A relationship guru discovered by Oprah Winfrey, Paul is a familiar face to UK audiences thanks to his work on Married At First Sight UK and his hit podcast We Need To Talk.

Speaking about his excitement for Cheat: Unfinished Business, Paul shared: “It’s been a dream to work with Amanda Holden. Exploring all the grey areas of infidelity with these couples has been an extraordinary journey.”

Fans eager to dive into the emotional rollercoaster of love, betrayal, and forgiveness can stream Cheat: Unfinished Business exclusively on Netflix starting April 30.

Comments

Written news comments are in no way https://www.showbizglow.com it does not reflect the opinions and thoughts of. Comments are binding on the person who wrote them.