Tag Archives: amanda holden

Amanda Holden Struggles With Nerves on First Day of Shoot

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Amanda Holden struggles with nerves on first day of shootHaving last appeared on stage in the nationally acclaimed ‘Shrek the Musical’ back in 2011, Amanda Holden made her long awaited return to the stage in what could prove to be her toughest role yet.

 

In a behind the scenes video documenting her latest acting role, Holden is seen to struggle with nerves and even forget her lines on two occasions in front of impatient directors.

 

But as is always the case in show business, all is not as it first seems.

 

Holden, a mother of two children herself, was actually filming a spoof advert in her latest role as the face of Pebli Town, a revolutionary new pre-school toy that fuses traditional play with the latest technology.

 

With Holden reciting her lines to a team of directors made up of three children, Pebli Town is designed to give youngsters full control of four traditional play pieces and a physical play board that in turn interacts with a tablet to bring the toy to life.

 

“As an actor, it’s not often you’re asked to perform poorly in front of directors that are a similar age to your own children,” said Holden.

 

“What has impressed me most about Pebli Town is that children are really the directors of their own show. It’s also a toy that allows parents to be more involved whilst accommodating for all key developmental and educational needs a parent would want for their child.”

 

With four exciting interactive game modes, Pebli Town is designed to help develop children’s problem solving skills and hand eye coordination whilst sparking creativity, imagination and self-expression.

 

“As a performer myself, I think it’s really important that children are given the opportunity to express themselves and show their creative side at play time,” admitted Holden, who is mother to nine-year-old Alexa and three-year-old Hollie.

 

“I know from my experiences that children can be incredibly creative if encouraged in a fun way.”

 

As an established actress, singer, presenter and judge, the daily juggle between career and family life remains an admittedly challenging one for Holden.

 

“Like every mother, sometimes it feels a little like the time you have to spend with your children is going, it’s slipping away. It’s about finding a balance and making sure you get to spend the right amount of time with your family and my current workload absolutely allows me to do this.”

 

“It’s scary how quickly your children grow up so its important parents spend as much time with them as possible.”

 

“Even physically, Lexie went from a size two to a three in two months and she has gone to school with a sort of side, low ponytail and there’s no Alice T-bar shoes anymore, she has got slip on shoes. Because Holly is three and a half and looks up to her big sister, she tries to dress the same and appears more mature than an actual three and a half year old. You can even have a full conversation with her.”

 

With Pebli Town representing a new age of toys being brought to life through technology, the current trend of parents allowing their children to have unfettered access to their own tablets and mobile devices is growing, with children now spending an average of two hours 56 minutes in front of a screen every day.

 

According to a recent survey by ComRes, 84 per cent of parents believe there are educational benefits in their children having access to tablets and smartphones, a statistic Holden supports.

 

“It can only be a positive thing introducing children to technology in a way that is safe, controlled and benefits their educational development,” said the 44-year-old.

 

“Pebli Town has got the balance right as 99% of all game play is still done on the board so you avoid having your children glued to a tablet.”

 

As for Holden’s future career ventures for the rest of 2015, her relentless workload doesn’t look as though it will ease up just yet.

 

“I am filming something for the BBC now and doing a load of stuff for Text Santa. As for acting, there is a possible musical in the running but I can’t tell you too much at this stage. Watch this space!”

 

 

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s Collars and Coats Gala Ball: David Gandy & Amanda Holden Shine

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Battersea Dogs Take Centre Stage at Star-Studded Charity Gala Event

 

A host of celebrities from stage, screen, sport, fiction and fashion sashayed down the red carpet for the fifth annual Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Collars & Coats Gala Ball 2013 on Thursday, 7th November at Battersea Evolution in London, as this year’s event went all “Hollywoof” with its unique homage to the golden age of cinema.

David Gandy Paul O'Grady & Amanda

The star-studded charity bash welcomed renowned personalities through its famous doors, with Battersea Ambassador and international supermodel David Gandy, popular author Dame Jacqueline Wilson OBE, football legend Gary Lineker with his wife Danielle and dance aficionados Craig Revel Horwood and Arlene Philips, all walking the red carpet in support of London’s premier charity event in support of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s work to rescue and rehome abandoned dogs and cats. Also in attendance was American music icon Jocelyn Brown. Adding the cute factor was doggy star Pudsey, who was accompanied by his owner Ashleigh Butler.

 

Guests on the red carpet were welcomed by the legendary and unique Battersea dog ‘guard of honour’, as around 50 of the charity’s dogs in need of new homes lined the way.

 

The world-famous event was hosted by Battersea Ambassadors and TV favourites Amanda Holden and Paul O’Grady MBE and was presided over by royalty His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent GCVO and Her Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent.

 

London’s foremost social gathering saw guests treated to an exclusive champagne cocktail reception and sumptuous three-course banquet, as their senses were dazzled by an evening of eclectic entertainment, emotive speeches and a luxurious, one-of-its-kind Auction of Dreams. Guests were also charmed by the posters on display featuring Battersea dogs and staff mimicking legendary movie star mutts, promoting the Hollywoof themed gala ball. Lady & The Tramp and Toto from the Wizard of Oz are some of Hollywood’s most recognisable doggie icons, but this time the stars of the show were some of Battersea’s four-legged friends, who loved ‘pawsing’ for pictures with Battersea staff in place of their better-known canine comrades. The posters accompany new survey results, which show the UK’s favourite dog movie is Disney’s Lady & The Tramp, followed by Marley & Me and the Wizard of Oz.

 

In tribute to the legends of the silver screen there was a foot-tapping set from London show-stoppers The Rat Pack. Guests were transported back to the vintage era of the movies as tribute act The Rat Pack took to the stage to recreate the sounds of legends Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr. Complete with an impressive 18 piece big band and glamorous showgirls, the audience were treated to a truly unforgettable experience by one of Britain’s longest running and most successful tributes to the cool cats of Hollywood. Also taking to the stage for a rousing set was American soul diva Jocelyn Brown. Adding the classical quotient was internationally acclaimed operatic rock quartet, Passionata, who mesmerised with their repertoire of four-part harmonies.

 

Other highlights included an exclusive auction with an array of luxury, bespoke gifts donated by a variety of UK and international brands as well as the Home’s supporters. Craig Revel Horward took to the stage to encourage guests to show their generosity for the “heads and tails” fundraising drive.

 

Among the sensational prizes was an amazing  money can’t buy opportunity to go for a walk in the park with a top Hollywood movie star, Oscar winner Jeremy Irons, swoon at an international supermodel David Gandy or stroll with a chart-topping singer, Mollie King. Bidders can show their support for Battersea and secure a dog walking date with nine famous dog lovers at www.collarsandcoats.org.uk/ebay. The amazing online auction, the first of its kind in the UK, runs until midnight on Friday 8 November.

 

Other auction treats included an all-expenses paid, once in a life time opportunity to attend the red carpet premiere of the ‘Godfather of Hollywood’ Al Pacino’s next film in New York, Wilde Salome, including an exclusive meet and greet with Al Pacino himself. There will also be an experience day at Gaydon for six people, where James Bond’s favourite car Aston Martin is manufactured. The lucky prize bidders will be immersed in a tour of the factory, learn more about the heritage of the brand, dine in the design studio whilst viewing models in their pre-production phase and enjoy a spin in an Aston Martin around the Warwickshire countryside, enjoying the freedom of the road and the spirit of the machine.

 

It costs over £18m to run Battersea each year, and with no government funding, the Collars & Coats Gala Ball is all about helping increase awareness of the important work the charity does each and every day of the year to offer a second chance in life to thousands of animals. Last year nearly 9,000 dogs and cats needed Battersea’s care and attention to help find them the best possible new homes.

 

For further information on the event, please visit http://www.collarsandcoats.org.uk

For further information on Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and to pledge donations, please visit www.battersea.org.uk


Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Online Charity Auction Goes Live as Bidding Kicks off for Money-Can’t-Buy Experiences

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Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Online Charity Auction is officially underway in a bid to raise £1million for cancer services.

 

The latest item racked up 20 bids within hours of going online while others attracted thousands of pounds worth of offers as bidders go head to head to win money-can’t-buy experiences; one prize currently sits on an offer of over £7,000 with two weeks of bidding left to go.

 

Manchester United is the latest to join an impressive list of sporting stars, celebrities and leading businesses who have donated to the auction including Jose Mourinho, Andre Villas-Boas, Graeme Swann, Kieron Dyer, Bill Nighy, Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden.

 

Latest items include an award winning catamaran all inclusive trip around the British Virgin Islands, lunch with British actor Bill Nighy, VIP tickets to Britain’s Got talent, a VIP Bayern Munich Experience with Josep ‘Pep’ Guardiola, a table in the Blue Riband on Ladies Day at Ascot and a one-off experience to accompany Kieron Dyer as his personal guest to watch Real Madrid play Barcelona.

 

Mark Robson, Sir Bobby’s son, comments, “The online auction is a fantastic way to help us continue the work my father started and raise crucial funds for cancer charities. We are overwhelmed by the generous donation from FIFA. I urge people, clubs and companies to consider donating, however big or small, and bidding to help us reach our £1million target.”

 

Gina Long, the auction founder, said “It is so exciting to launch the Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Online Charity Auction with this incredible item from FIFA. I encourage everyone to head to the website and register to bid as an item like this is bound to be a favourite with football fans! Not into football? Check out our other auction items, there is literally something for everyone!”

 

Running from 10 – 27 October, Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough will raise crucial funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, Breakthrough Breast Cancer and cancer services within two Suffolk Hospitals.

 

Proudly backed by headline supporter BT Sport, Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough auction items for 2013 include tickets to the JLS goodbye concert, lunch with Bill Nighy, flights, accommodation and tickets to see the Real Madrid v Barcelona game in the Bernabeu Stadium as Kieron Dyer’s special guest, a VIP trip to next year’s F1 in Monaco by private ‘Eclipse’ jet, incredible sporting art from Ben Mosley, a week sailing on a luxury catamaran ‘Akasha’, a one-on-one personal bowling tuition with England cricketer Graeme Swann at Lords, Paul Gascoigne’s England shirt from a pre-Italia ‘90 training game, the opportunity to have a team play a six-a-side tournament at St. George’s Park in 2014 and a week-long stay at The Brewers House in Southwold donated by Adnams.

 

The auction is now live– to bid go to www.sirbobbysbreakthrough.comand click the ‘Regsiter to Bid’ button.

*Visit www.sirbobbysbreakthrough.com for full terms and conditions. Accommodation and flights not included.

 

A taster of some of the TOP Sports Auction Items so far!

 

1.       FIFA Ballon d’Or in Zurich

This is a very rare opportunity to attend the glamorous ceremony which acknowledges those at the top of their game. Two lucky guests will attend the FIFA Ballon d’Or in Zurich 2014 and be a part of football history. Who will be named best manager? Will Barcelona’s Lionel Messi claim best player for an unprecedented fifth year?!

2.       FC Barcelona home match

A once in a lifetime opportunity for two people to attend training at FC Barcelona, arguably one of the greatest teams ever, featuring Lionel Messi, already an all-time great player and the best footballer at work in the world now.

 

3.       Real Madrid vs. Barcelona with Kieron Dyer

One lucky football fan will win flights, accommodation and tickets to see the Real Madrid v Barcelona game in the Bernabeu Stadium as former England midfielder, Kieron Dyer’s special guest.

4.       Manchester United VIP Experience

 

An amazing chance to to attend a Manchester United game at Old Trafford during the 2013-2014 regular season, as well as watching the team train at the Aon Training Complex and a private tour of the facility. Any Man U fan’s dream!

 

5.       Walk in Mourinho’s shoes

A chance to own Chelsea Managers, Jose Mourinho’s signed, personalised and worn football boots. Includes photo of authenticity. Donated by Jose Mourinho

6.       A day at Derby County Football Club in the Toyota Suite

The day will include car parking, tour of the stadium, pre-match meal in the Toyota Suite and match tickets to view the game in the Directors Box for 2 people

 

7.       Table for 4 on our VIP package in the Champions Gallery on 1,000 Guineas day

 

8.       Essex County Cricket Club

Two lucky cricket teams will go head to head at the Essex County Cricket Ground. Pull together your friends, family or colleagues, don your whites and enjoy a friendly innings* on these professional grounds. Donated by Derek Bowden of Essex County Cricket

*Dates to be agreed by Essex County Cricket Grounds

9.       Gazza’s shirt

One lucky bidder will walk away with Paul Gascoigne’s pre-World Cup Italia ‘90s training game shirt. After a game against Tunisia, England hotshot, Gazza dug out his England 19 shirt from the bottom of his kit bag and gave it to Giacomo Malvermi, Sir Bobby’s Italia ’90 translator. Donated by Giacomo Malvermi

 

10.   Drive an Audi R8 Supercar for a day

Fancy cruising in a fabulous Audi R8?  Our friends at Ipswich Audi are offering the winning bidder the opportunity to spend a day driving this incredible car

11.   Spin bowl with Swanny

Join England professional cricketer Graeme Swann for a one-on-one personal bowling session at Lords Cricket Ground. Donated by Graeme Swann

12.   Shinji Kagawa Signed Football Boots

This is a your chance to own a pair of very special signed football boots by Shinji Kagawa and he’s personally presenting them to the winning bidder and a guest and a photo will capture the moment at Manchester United Carrington Road Training Ground. Dates to be agreed by Shinji Kagawa.

 

13.   A VIP F1 experience

A VIP trip to next year’s F1 Grand Prix in Monaco by private ‘Eclipse’ jet. Donated by CMX Event and Aeris Aviation

14.   Drive the incredible McLaren MP4-12C at a world famous race circuit.

A unique chance to drive the incredible McLaren 12C at a famous UK or European race circuit – an amazing experience not normally available to the public. McLaren are inviting one lucky winner to come along, with their guest, to learn from professional drivers and experience the thrill of driving the 200MPH McLaren MP4-12C.

 

Talk tactics with AVB

The opportunity for two people to visit the Tottenham Hotspur’s new training centre, to watch training and then have lunch with Andre Villas-Boas. Donated by Andre Villas-Boas

15.   VIPEngland Experience

A fantastic opportunity for two people to attend an England Senior Men’s football team training session ahead of an England home international fixture in 2014. You will also be presented with an England 2014 football shirt signed by members of the Senior England Men’s squad with full hospitality at The FA Club and FA club tickets. Donated by The Football Association

 

16.   MotoGP™ VIP tickets

This incredible package includes a pair of VIP tickets for the MotoGP™ in Valencia, Spain (8-10 November, 2013), return flights and transfers, half board accommodation, access to the race circuit viewing area, a meet and greet with the Monster Yamaha TECH3 riders and a garage and paddock tour. Donated by Stanley Black & Decker

17.   VIP tickets to World Snooker Final

Two VIP tickets to attend both sessions of the Final of the 2014 World Snooker Championship at The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield on Monday, 5 May 2014 which includes prime seats for thearena, a back stage tour and a VIP invitation to attend the post Final Champions Reception (tickets are not available to the public).

 

18.   Ultimate NCFC experience

You and a guest have a chance to enjoy a tailor-made VIP home match experience. This prize includes a stadium tour, delicious meal in the Directors Lounge, plus tailor made extras – for example, if you would like to bring a child with you Norwich City FC will look at potentially making them mascot for the day. Donated by Norwich City FC.

19.   Equestrian Training with Mary King

A fantastic full day experience for two people, with one of Britain’s most prolific gold medallist equestrians , with a profile spanning over 30 years, including 2 World Championship Gold medals, Silver and Bronze Olympic medals. Mary and team GB won Silver at London 2012 in a beautiful performance.

 

Collars & Coats gala ball To Celebrate 151 Years Of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

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Collars & Coats gala ball

This year to celebrate the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home 151st anniversary, some of the biggest names in fashion have come out in force to show their support for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and its prestigious annual fundraising event The Collars & Coats Gala Ball, taking place on 11th November 2011 at Battersea Evolution.

Prada, Mui Mui, Oliver Goldsmith, Grace Woodward and Matthew Williamson are just some of the designers who are in support of this glamorous event and have donated exclusive gifts for the auction prizes. Items such as beautiful handbags, sunglasses, boots, exotic holidays and spa treatments will be up for grabs at one of the biggest events in the London calendar.

Please find information below for the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home’s prestigious annual event COLLARS & COATS GALA BALL 2011:

EVENT: Collars & Coats Gala Ball

DATE: Friday, 11th of November, 2011

VENUE: Battersea Evolution, Chelsea Bridge Entrance, Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ

ABOUT: The Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is organizing its prestigious annual fundraising event the COLLARS & COATS GALA BALL in the presence of the Home’s President, HRH Prince Michael of Kent GCVO.

This spectacular night of glitz, glamour and high octane entertainment will, once again, be one of the biggest events in London’s calendar, supported by a high end national press and broadcast campaign and media attendance. In line with the stature of the event, the Collars & Coats Gala Ball attracts an extremely distinguished and influential list of guests, spanning ultra-high net worth individuals, British Aristocrats, Royalty, FTSE 100 corporates, VIPs and socialites, public figures and A-List international celebrities from film, music, art, literature, popular culture and sports, making the event an excellent corporate hospitality and networking occasion.

Last year Catherine Tate, Amanda Holden, Alexandra Burke, HRH Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO, Roger Daltrey CBE, Brian May, Roger Taylor, Patti Russo, Craig Revel Horwood, Jeremy Hackett, and Mark Foster were among the high profile guests who helped to raise vital funds to help the home continue it’s work with stray, abandoned and neglected animals(please see attached images). Previous attendee’s and supporters include Simon Cowell and Dame Judy Dench.

Limited tables and bespoke brand sponsorship opportunities available.

TICKET/TABLES: Silver Package: £3500 for a table of 10. (individual tickets at £350)

Gold Package: £5000 for a table of 10. (Individual tickets at £500)

Platinum Package: £10000 for a table of 10. (Individual tickets at £1000)

TO BOOK: Sterling Media: Tel: 020 7801 0077. Email: natasha@sterlingmedia.co.uk

Cheryl Cole Told: 'Lose Two Stone' For X Factor.

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In the ongoing saga of Cheryl Cole’s firing from the US X Factor, it emerged yesterday that she was told by an unnamed executive at Fox network to lose up to two stone before her debut. The 27-year-old singer quickly enlisted Gwyneth Paltrow’s personal trainer, Tracey Anderson, to get back into shape after a battle with malaria left her with a curvier figure, but found herself out of time, out of favour and heading back to the UK.

To soften the blow of her failed trip, a return to the UK’s show was offered to the troubled star as an olive branch. But it has now been announced that she will not return to the UK X Factor after she became ‘uncontactable’.

X Factor judge, Amanda Holden, said that Cheryl will regret it if she doesn’t return. She told Radio 2: ‘There is dark talk of Cheryl snubbing a return to British X Factor. Please do not do this. You will regret it for a long time.”

Kate Middleton Has a Contender For The Title of Nations Princess

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Kate Middleton, 29, has a contender for the title of the nations favourite princess say new price comparison site Theatrebillboard.com

The UK can’t get enough of Amanda Holden! After winning over the nation’s hearts on her return as lead judge on Britain’s Got Talent, tickets to see her perform as Princess Fiona on the new West End’s ‘Shrek The Musical’, have been flying out of the box office.

The 40 year old actress and presenter, who stars alongside David Hasslehoff and Michael McIntyre as a judge on ITV’s top talent show, will be making her debut in Shrek The Musical from the 6th May at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

According to price comparison website Theatrebillboard.com, advance ticket sales have risen a dramatic 250% for the West End musical, since the weekend’s launch of the new series of Britain’s Got Talent. Amanda has been cast as Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical, and will be showing off her own talents alongside co stars Nigel Harman, Richard Blackwood and Nigel Lindsay who plays Shrek.

Mike Walker, Marketing Director for Theatre Billboard.com says “Amanda has won over the nation’s hearts in recent years and this huge boost in tickets sales following her recent television appearance just goes to show that the public can’t get enough of her at the moment.”

The peak in volume of ticket sales for the musical, since Amanda’s taken a leading role on our screens leaves us in no doubt that Kate’s not the only princess winning the hearts of the people this Spring..but her Prince Charming definitely has better table manners!

Theatrebillboard.com, is a price comparison site, offering customers an easier and impartial way to search for the best price on theatre tickets with potential savings of up to 60% on ticket prices.

Theatrebillboard.com enables customers to search, compare and buy theatre tickets to over 350 top shows in a matter of minutes, comparing prices and deals from all the major ticket vendors online including Last Minute Theatre Tickets , Ticketmaster, lastminute.com and See Tickets.

For more information, latest deals and offers, visit www.theatrebillboard.com.

Stacey Soloman Named Mum Of The Year.

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STACEY ADDS ANOTHER CROWN TO THE CABINET

Stacey Solomon is named Foxy Bingo Celebrity Mum of the Year 2011

After an outstanding few weeks in the media spotlight, the nation’s favourite single mum, Stacey Solomon, has today been awarded the coveted crown of Foxy Bingo Celebrity Mum of the Year by the British public.

The down-to-earth Dagenham girl seems to have hit the right note with the public as she fought of stiff competition from a host of famous mums including her 2009 X Factor mentor Dannii Minogue and last year’s winner Holly Willoughby. Aussie based Dannii was hot on Stacey’s heels in the voting until the final few days when Brits plumped for home grown talent and loveable Stacey stole the number one spot.

Despite a well publicised comeback Kerry Katona, who has won the award twice previously, seems yet to win the public support she craves, finishing 8th. The blow comes just days after Stacey was announced as the new face of frozen food chain Iceland – a role Kerry previously fulfilled until 2009.

Stacey, who juggles her career with being a mum to three year old Zachery, stole the nation’s heart when she was crowned Queen of the Jungle on ITV’s popular reality show, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, earlier this year. The star whose support from the public appears to be going from strength to strength has also been signed alongside Vernon Kay to star in her own quiz show.

Noel Rowse, Managing Director, Foxy Bingo said: “We are delighted to announce Stacey as the winner of the Foxy Bingo Celebrity Mum Award for 2011. She is a down to earth person who is in the spotlight for the right reasons. Her attitude towards work, spending quality time with Zachary, and her likeability factor has clearly struck a chord with the voters. She is a wonderful role model for mothers faced with the difficulties of juggling work/life pressures and we at Foxy Bingo congratulate her on her fantastic achievements”

The top ten celebrity mums are as follows:

1. Stacey Solomon

2. Dannii Minogue

3. Holly Willoughby

4. Amanda Holden

5. Katie Price

6. Coleen Nolan

7. Victoria Beckham

8. Kerry Katona

9. Kym Marsh

10. Billie Piper