TV and radio host Amanda Holden shared her feelings about a significant change in her family dynamics, describing it as “unusual,” but she has a plan to cope with it. During a discussion on her Heart Radio show with colleagues Jamie Theakston and Ashley Roberts, the 54-year-old reflected on actress Gwyneth Paltrow’s experience of an empty nest after her children left for college.

Holden revealed that her eldest daughter, Lexi, who turns 20 soon, has recently departed for university, leaving her, husband Chris Hughes, and their youngest daughter Hollie, 13, adjusting to a smaller household. Acknowledging the adjustment, she empathized with the situation, noting the oddity of having only three family members present at dinner.

In a lighthearted exchange with Jamie, who has older children, Holden expressed her desire to expand their family by considering getting another dog, despite her husband’s initial reservations. She humorously dismissed the idea of having more children but emphasized the importance of adding another furry companion to their home.

The conversation followed Holden’s public mention of a personal regret regarding her family size, expressing a wish for more children if circumstances had been different. She highlighted the joy of having adopted pets, including Rudie the rescue dog and Muffy the cat, and hinted at the possibility of welcoming another furry friend into their household.

Holden’s recent addition of a cat named Bolt, discovered during a vacation in Greece, brought its own set of challenges, including a cat altercation that left her injured. Despite the occasional pet-related mishaps, Holden remains enthusiastic about expanding their furry family.