As Britain’s Got Talent prepares to welcome another season of bold performers and headline-grabbing auditions, attention has once again shifted from the stage to the judges’ desk — and straight onto Amanda Holden.
Now 55, the actress and broadcaster has been a permanent fixture on Britain’s Got Talent since its launch in 2007. And while her judging credentials are well established, it’s her wardrobe choices that continue to divide viewers — and keep the complaints department busy.
Glamour, Confidence — and Controversy
Over nearly two decades on the ITV juggernaut, Amanda has become synonymous with high-impact fashion: plunging necklines, sheer panels, dramatic slits and couture gowns designed to turn heads.
Supporters praise her confidence and fearless style. Critics, however, have repeatedly contacted Ofcom, arguing some outfits cross the line for what they consider a “family show”.
The result? Hundreds of formal complaints over the years — with certain dresses triggering national debate overnight.
The Dresses That Made Headlines
Some of Amanda’s most talked-about looks include:
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2017 Semi-Final Julien Macdonald Gown
A deeply plunging, floor-length dress with bold cut-outs sparked 663 Ofcom complaints, making it her most controversial look to date.
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2020 Celia Kritharioti Navy Gown
Featuring an off-the-shoulder design and daring neckline, the dress prompted 235 complaints, with some viewers wrongly assuming a wardrobe malfunction.
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Suzanne Neville Corset Dress (2020)
A lace-bodiced plum gown resulted in 136 complaints, despite being fully approved before broadcast. -
Sheer Sparkle Dress (2016)
A black leotard beneath a translucent overlay led to 90 complaints, though regulators ruled it did not breach broadcasting standards. -
White Final Dress (2024)
A custom Saint Hendrix design with a scooped neckline generated 72 complaints, deemed by some as “too revealing”.
Even her more understated outfits — including a spider-web mesh dress in 2019 — attracted criticism, albeit in smaller numbers.
Amanda’s Response: “I’m Not Playing It Safe”
Amanda has consistently rejected claims that her fashion choices are inappropriate. She has stressed that every outfit is reviewed and approved by ITV before she steps on stage.
“What you see on television is what I genuinely love,” she previously explained.
“I’m never worried. Fashion is about taking risks — and having fun.”
She has also questioned why she is singled out, pointing out that fellow judge Alesha Dixon rarely faces similar scrutiny despite wearing equally bold ensembles.
In a moment that became television folklore, Amanda revealed that ITV had even introduced an internal wardrobe-approval panel — jokingly dubbed the “committee” — to double-check her outfits before airtime.
Ofcom’s Verdict: No Rules Broken
Despite the volume of complaints, Ofcom has repeatedly declined to launch formal investigations into Amanda’s wardrobe.
The regulator has maintained that her outfits were not presented in a sexualised manner and remained within the expectations of most viewers watching a primetime entertainment show.
Still Unapologetic
Rather than scaling back, Amanda appears unfazed. As recently as 2024, she laughed off fresh backlash, joking that it might be another judge’s “turn to flash the flesh”.
After nearly 20 years on BGT, one thing is certain: whether praised or criticised, Amanda Holden’s fashion choices continue to spark conversation — and ensure she remains one of the show’s most talked-about figures.
As auditions return and the lights go up once again, viewers may want to brace themselves. If history is anything to go by, the performances won’t be the only thing making headlines.
