On May 7, 2025, Amanda Holden, the effervescent Britain’s Got Talent judge and Heart Radio host, found herself at the center of a media storm after a playful comment on her breakfast show was interpreted as a biting critique of fellow TV star Holly Willoughby’s presenting skills. The remark, made during a lighthearted exchange with co-host Jamie Theakston, came as the pair discussed the potential renewal of Holden’s Netflix series Cheat: Unfinished Business. When Theakston jokingly suggested that Willoughby might replace Holden on the show, Amanda quipped that the producers wanted a “proper presenter,” a line that sparked headlines and reignited speculation about a feud between the two ITV veterans. Far from a malicious attack, the incident reflects the complexities of media narratives, workplace banter, and the persistent pitting of women against each other in the entertainment industry, making it a moment worth dissecting for its cultural and personal resonance.
The exchange unfolded on Heart Breakfast, where Holden, 54, was sharing excitement about reports that her dating show, co-hosted with Paul C. Brunson, might return for a second season. Theakston, known for stirring playful controversy, teased her by asking if the show’s producers were considering Willoughby, 44, as a replacement. Caught off guard, Holden laughed, hesitated, and delivered the now-infamous line, prompting Theakston to warn her she’d “get in trouble.” Her response—“No one’s listening”—was a cheeky dismissal, but the comment quickly went viral, amplified by posts on X and tabloid headlines that framed it as a “savage swipe.” Fans and critics alike debated whether it was a genuine dig or simply the kind of banter that defines Holden’s unfiltered charm, with many on X expressing amusement at the drama while others called for perspective.
To understand the moment, it’s crucial to consider the professional overlap between Holden and Willoughby. Both are ITV stalwarts, having crossed paths on This Morning, where Holden filled in for Willoughby during her maternity leave in 2014 and co-hosted with Phillip Schofield from 2014 to 2019. Willoughby, meanwhile, was a mainstay on the show for 14 years until her departure in 2023, also fronting Dancing on Ice until its cancellation in 2025. Their shared history, including Holden’s rumored bid to replace Willoughby on This Morning in 2024 (which she denied), has fueled perceptions of rivalry. Yet, Holden’s career—spanning Britain’s Got Talent, radio, and now Netflix—suggests confidence in her own lane, while Willoughby’s recent ventures, like Celebrity Bear Hunt on Netflix, show her carving a new path post-ITV. The idea of a deep-seated feud seems more like media conjecture than reality.
The comment itself, while sharp, aligns with Holden’s on-air persona. Known for her candid humor, she’s made playful jabs before, once listing “spiders, flies, and Phillip Schofield” as things she’d avoid in her home during a 2019 Heart Radio segment. Her dynamic with Theakston thrives on such exchanges, and the “proper presenter” quip was delivered with a laugh, not venom. Willoughby, by contrast, has maintained a polished, drama-averse image, making her an unlikely target for genuine hostility. The lack of a response from Willoughby’s camp—her representatives declined to comment—suggests she’s chosen to rise above the fray, a tactic she’s employed in past controversies, like the 2023 This Morning fallout with Schofield.
This isn’t the first time Holden and Willoughby have been pitted against each other. In June 2023, Holden faced accusations of mocking Willoughby’s emotional This Morning return after Schofield’s exit, when she posted an Instagram video echoing Willoughby’s “Are you OK?” opener. Holden swiftly denied any malice, issuing a statement that criticized the media for fabricating rivalries between women and called for celebrating their individual strengths. Her words then—“Sadly strong and intelligent women have for far too long been pitted against one another”—ring true now, as the 2025 radio comment has been blown out of proportion. The pattern suggests a media tendency to sensationalize minor moments, turning workplace banter into headline-grabbing feuds to drive clicks and engagement.
The cultural context adds another layer. Women in television, particularly in high-profile roles, face relentless scrutiny and comparisons. Holden and Willoughby, both successful in their own right, embody different presenting styles—Holden’s bold, unfiltered energy versus Willoughby’s warm, approachable polish. Yet, their shared ITV roots and similar career trajectories invite inevitable contrasts, often framed as competition rather than coexistence. This dynamic isn’t unique to them; it echoes historical rivalries like those between Madonna and Cyndi Lauper or, in the UK, Davina McCall and Cat Deeley. The media’s framing of Holden’s comment as a “savage” attack risks reducing two accomplished women to caricatures, ignoring their decades of contributions to broadcasting.
Holden’s Netflix show, Cheat: Unfinished Business, is itself a point of pride, not insecurity. Launched in April 2025, it follows ex-couples navigating infidelity in a luxury villa, a format Holden has called her “dream job.” Its reported renewal reflects her growing influence, from Britain’s Got Talent to radio and now streaming. Willoughby’s Celebrity Bear Hunt, also on Netflix, targets a different audience with its reality-adventure premise. Theakston’s joke about Willoughby replacing Holden was likely a nod to their parallel Netflix ventures, not a serious suggestion. Holden’s quick-witted response, while cheeky, doesn’t indicate professional jealousy; if anything, it underscores her confidence in her project’s unique appeal.
The public’s reaction, as seen on X, ranges from amusement to exasperation. Some fans revel in the drama, sharing memes and clips of the radio moment, while others criticize the media for inflating a non-issue. Posts from May 7–8, 2025, highlight the divide: some call Holden’s comment “iconic” for its boldness, while others urge respect for both presenters. This split reflects a broader fatigue with manufactured celebrity feuds, particularly when they overshadow substantive achievements. Neither Holden nor Willoughby has publicly addressed the incident, suggesting both are focused on their work—Holden with her radio and TV commitments, Willoughby with her post-ITV reinvention.
The incident also raises questions about workplace banter in the public eye. Radio shows like Heart Breakfast thrive on spontaneity, and Holden’s unfiltered style is part of her appeal. Yet, live broadcasts amplify off-the-cuff remarks, especially when they involve high-profile figures. Theakston’s warning about “trouble” was likely tongue-in-cheek, but it acknowledges the risk of misinterpretation. Holden’s dismissal—“No one’s listening”—underestimated the media’s appetite for controversy, particularly when it involves two women with overlapping careers. The episode underscores the tightrope public figures walk, balancing authenticity with the potential for scrutiny.
Critically, the narrative around this incident feels overblown. Holden’s history suggests no deep animosity toward Willoughby; her 2023 statement explicitly rejected feud rumors and called for unity among women in media. Her tensions with Schofield, rooted in a 2018 This Morning casting dispute where she felt sidelined for Rochelle Humes, are well-documented but unrelated to Willoughby. Meanwhile, Willoughby’s silence aligns with her approach to controversies, from Schofield’s exit to kidnapping threats in 2023 that prompted her This Morning departure. Both women have navigated personal and professional challenges with resilience, making the feud narrative seem like a distraction from their accomplishments.
The real story lies in how Holden and Willoughby continue to thrive despite media attempts to pit them against each other. Holden’s multifaceted career—judging, presenting, acting, and singing—reflects her versatility, while Willoughby’s shift to Netflix and her Wylde Moon wellness brand show her adaptability. Their ability to rise above gossip, focus on their work, and maintain public support speaks to their professionalism. The radio comment, while momentarily divisive, is unlikely to define their legacies or relationship, if one even exists beyond professional courtesy.
Ultimately, this moment is less about a feud and more about the media’s role in crafting narratives that sell. Holden’s quip was a fleeting piece of banter, not a declaration of war. By framing it as a “savage swipe,” headlines risk perpetuating stereotypes about women in competition, overshadowing the fact that both Holden and Willoughby are excelling in their fields. As fans debate and the story fades, the incident serves as a reminder to question sensationalized narratives and celebrate the diverse talents of women in television. This isn’t a clash of titans—it’s a fleeting radio moment that reveals more about media dynamics than personal rivalries.