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No Holding Back
Actress, presenter, talent show judge.
Daughter, wife, mother, survivor.
There's so much more to Amanda Holden than fame.
A natural-born performer, Amanda's journey to becoming one of the most recognisable faces on our screens today has been one full of love, laughter and tears.
A British star and nationally treasured actress, she has appeared on our screens and stages for over 20 years. In the notoriously tricky world of show business, Amanda has carved out her own identity and enjoyed impressive longevity, not least as the longest running judge on hit ITV show Britain's Got Talent. She never fails to keep her audience engaged and entertained.
Charming, funny and incredibly honest, her story is remarkable. For the first time, No Holding Back tells it in her own words, in her own way, and shows her fans the real woman behind the headlines.
Daughter, wife, mother, survivor.
There's so much more to Amanda Holden than fame.
A natural-born performer, Amanda's journey to becoming one of the most recognisable faces on our screens today has been one full of love, laughter and tears.
A British star and nationally treasured actress, she has appeared on our screens and stages for over 20 years. In the notoriously tricky world of show business, Amanda has carved out her own identity and enjoyed impressive longevity, not least as the longest running judge on hit ITV show Britain's Got Talent. She never fails to keep her audience engaged and entertained.
Charming, funny and incredibly honest, her story is remarkable. For the first time, No Holding Back tells it in her own words, in her own way, and shows her fans the real woman behind the headlines.
- GenresBiographyNonfiction
416 pages, Hardcover
First published September 12, 2013
28 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Holden
1 book1 followerThere is more than one author with this name
Amanda Louise Holden is a British actress, singer and presenter.
Amanda Louise Holden is a British actress, singer and presenter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 5, 2014
I think it is important to start this review by saying I would consider myself an Amanda Holden fan. She has long been someone I had on my list of people I would like a beer with. After reading this I think I may have to change that to a glass of wine rather than beer.
This book is extremely well written and flows in an easy way. Unlike some autobiographies I have read this is written in a way that you can imagine the actress speaking to you herself. The book is brutally honest in places and she shares events with her readers that she is both proud and ashamed off. This rounded approach to telling her story makes the book even more authentic and good reading. Although there are parts of this book that hit the media this was clearly not written to gain publicity. Amanda Holden is very careful in places to hide the identity of some of the characters mentioned. At places she uses initials and in other places she does not mention names. This is refreshing as other autobiographies have been written as a way for celebrities to beat people with.
The most heartwarming part of this book is towards the end where Amanda Holden talks about her pregnancies and the struggles she has had in order to gain her two beautiful daughters. This part is well written and will be an inspiration to anyone who is going through similar in their life. I also enjoyed the gossip about Britain's Got Talent which remains the only talent show I watch. Largely this is due to the mix of judges and it is reassuring to know that they actually get on as well as comes across on TV.
Of all the autobiographies I have read this is one of my favourites and well worth a read I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in the author. I am only sorry that I have finished it.
This book is extremely well written and flows in an easy way. Unlike some autobiographies I have read this is written in a way that you can imagine the actress speaking to you herself. The book is brutally honest in places and she shares events with her readers that she is both proud and ashamed off. This rounded approach to telling her story makes the book even more authentic and good reading. Although there are parts of this book that hit the media this was clearly not written to gain publicity. Amanda Holden is very careful in places to hide the identity of some of the characters mentioned. At places she uses initials and in other places she does not mention names. This is refreshing as other autobiographies have been written as a way for celebrities to beat people with.
The most heartwarming part of this book is towards the end where Amanda Holden talks about her pregnancies and the struggles she has had in order to gain her two beautiful daughters. This part is well written and will be an inspiration to anyone who is going through similar in their life. I also enjoyed the gossip about Britain's Got Talent which remains the only talent show I watch. Largely this is due to the mix of judges and it is reassuring to know that they actually get on as well as comes across on TV.
Of all the autobiographies I have read this is one of my favourites and well worth a read I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in the author. I am only sorry that I have finished it.
December 15, 2019
Holden is an affable, bubbly personality, and this comes through in her prose. She speaks with humour about her life from childhood to the present, detailing her colourful dramatic dating history, her childhood obsessions with performance (gymnastics, family plays etc), her journey as a actress (theatre, TV, Britain's Got Talent, a stint in South Africa etc), her challenges with the paparazzi/media, the birth of the children (including a traumatic stillbirth). Occasionally she veers off into self-absorption, arrogance and superficiality, which was annoying. And a number of her accounts were tedious and boring. Furthermore, I would have liked to learn a lot more about her estrangement from her sister, which she mentioned only briefly, without details. Overall though, this is a lighthearted, easygoing and, for the most part, a mildly interesting read; like having an warm and eccentric friend recount her life to you, over a hot cup of cocoa.
December 21, 2015
I'm a huge fan of Amanda, so when I found out she was writing a book, I was so excited. It really lived up to my expectations, even exceeded them.
For a celebrity autobiography, it's very well-written, yet it still conveys Amanda's voice and her way of talking. A lot of it is very chatty, which is nice, as it gives the book a personal feel. You feel as though you're sitting down with her, and she's telling you all about what's happened in your life.
No Holding Back does not skimp on the details. It was very big and actually rather brave of Amanda to pour out so many of her details into this book; she said she wants the book to be a legacy for her two girls, something they can be proud of. Amanda really achieved this.
I'd advise anyone to read this if all they think of Amanda is that she's just some blonde bimbo, famous for doing nothing. Of course, I knew this before picking up the book, but I really had no idea about some of the hardships she's struggled with throughout. The book just reinforces my love for her.
For a celebrity autobiography, it's very well-written, yet it still conveys Amanda's voice and her way of talking. A lot of it is very chatty, which is nice, as it gives the book a personal feel. You feel as though you're sitting down with her, and she's telling you all about what's happened in your life.
No Holding Back does not skimp on the details. It was very big and actually rather brave of Amanda to pour out so many of her details into this book; she said she wants the book to be a legacy for her two girls, something they can be proud of. Amanda really achieved this.
I'd advise anyone to read this if all they think of Amanda is that she's just some blonde bimbo, famous for doing nothing. Of course, I knew this before picking up the book, but I really had no idea about some of the hardships she's struggled with throughout. The book just reinforces my love for her.
September 12, 2014
Really enjoyed this bio.
My daughter bought me this for Christmas knowing that I wanted to read it.
Amanda writes as she speaks in real life. No airs and graces, sticking to facts. No excuses, no blame apportioned to anyone, just it is what it is.
Shes lead a life we didn't know about, we've read things in the papers, we've maybe even judged.
But, to me, this bio and the way Amanda has written it comes across as...it is what it is.
To pick yourself up from loosing a baby is hard, I know that first hand.
To have nearly died! I know that too, it puts a whole new perspective on life, and that's what it did for Amanda Holden. Hold onto what's precious?
Great read, highly recommended.
My daughter bought me this for Christmas knowing that I wanted to read it.
Amanda writes as she speaks in real life. No airs and graces, sticking to facts. No excuses, no blame apportioned to anyone, just it is what it is.
Shes lead a life we didn't know about, we've read things in the papers, we've maybe even judged.
But, to me, this bio and the way Amanda has written it comes across as...it is what it is.
To pick yourself up from loosing a baby is hard, I know that first hand.
To have nearly died! I know that too, it puts a whole new perspective on life, and that's what it did for Amanda Holden. Hold onto what's precious?
Great read, highly recommended.
December 11, 2013
A simple read but entertaining all the same.
Tales of her life from childhood through her years with her first husband and her troubled pregnancies.
Brave, but I thought foolish at times especially as it would seem that she had problems carrying male babies, she was determined to try again for a 4th pregnancy. All this whilst her husband is under the impression that she is taking oral contraceptives. This 4th pregnancy also has it's problems and nearly ends her life.
Quite ribald in places but just as she appears on the TV!
Tales of her life from childhood through her years with her first husband and her troubled pregnancies.
Brave, but I thought foolish at times especially as it would seem that she had problems carrying male babies, she was determined to try again for a 4th pregnancy. All this whilst her husband is under the impression that she is taking oral contraceptives. This 4th pregnancy also has it's problems and nearly ends her life.
Quite ribald in places but just as she appears on the TV!
February 1, 2018
One of the best autobiographies that I have ever read! There really is no holding back in this book! I love how Amanda opens up about her personal life in the book and talks about things that some people frown upon and believe shouldn't be talked about. She doesn't just talk about the highs in her life but also talks about the lows and tough times. Its written just how Amanda would speak and sticks to the facts. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book. Perfect for a true Amanda Holden fan!
May 15, 2018
Loved this book from start to finish and would love to see a follow up one day. It’s a very honest and open account of Amanda’s life from humbled beginnings to life on screen & stage. It also tells of her life off screen and the impact of the press & tabloid intrusion. I found the book to be quite funny in some places and very sad and raw in others and it was this honesty & bravery that made me love it more!
May 11, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. I've always really liked Amanda Holden and had wanted to get more of an insight to her life. She really does give you everything in this book. A brilliant read and an inspirational woman
November 28, 2021
A Rollercoaster of Emotions...
God this is an emotional read...! I was welling up through most of it. What a journey Amanda has been on with her babies. But what helped her through the turmoil was the spiritual view she had for why things happened the way they did & I agree with her absolutely on this. Yet despite all that she managed to stick to a punishing regime work wise. How she managed to juggle it all I don't know. But having such a lovely caring man at her side helped a lot I'm sure. I had never realised that Amanda had done so much theatre work & musicals or that she could sing or just how versatile she is! She's very down to earth & doesn't give herself airs & just tells it as it is. She's is also very family oriented. However, Les Dennis comes across as a spoiled child given to childish tantrums & I don't know why she stuck with him for so long. It's the age old thing of women thinking they are somehow responsible for their man & that it's their job to try & fix them when in reality the only one we can fix is ourselves; & more often than not we have to do that alone. Amanda loves hard & works hard but it's the love & not the work that will always come first with her.
God this is an emotional read...! I was welling up through most of it. What a journey Amanda has been on with her babies. But what helped her through the turmoil was the spiritual view she had for why things happened the way they did & I agree with her absolutely on this. Yet despite all that she managed to stick to a punishing regime work wise. How she managed to juggle it all I don't know. But having such a lovely caring man at her side helped a lot I'm sure. I had never realised that Amanda had done so much theatre work & musicals or that she could sing or just how versatile she is! She's very down to earth & doesn't give herself airs & just tells it as it is. She's is also very family oriented. However, Les Dennis comes across as a spoiled child given to childish tantrums & I don't know why she stuck with him for so long. It's the age old thing of women thinking they are somehow responsible for their man & that it's their job to try & fix them when in reality the only one we can fix is ourselves; & more often than not we have to do that alone. Amanda loves hard & works hard but it's the love & not the work that will always come first with her.
July 6, 2019
I love Amanda Holden purely because so many people hate her; she faces so much criticism (much like Caroline Flack , the last autobiography I read) for little reason. This book was fab , she doesn’t shy away from being honest about those who have upset her in life and on the less than perfect choices she’s made. It was so nice and so sad to hear about the whole story of Amanda, one which is often cut down to nasty news bites and an easy laugh. A woman to relate to, the book also made me cry a lot (I cry at anything these days it seems)
March 29, 2019
This book was a real eye opener. I've never really thought that much of Amanda Holden. I honestly thought she only married Les Dennis to make a name for herself. I was totally wrong. If you don't know someone that well you label them. Like I say this is a must read for anyone who doesn't know Amanda that well.
May 5, 2020
An insight into her life that I never really thought about. Definitely an opinion changer, for me for the better. Worked her way up through life and marriages somewhat hindered this, not everything fell in her lap upon previous thought and definitely sacrifices family and career wise. If you like or dislike her, it’s worth the read!
January 10, 2019
A lovely honest book about Amanda Holden's life events. You can really connect with the book, it is as though Amanda is sat opposite you having a coffee, whilst telling you her life-story. A very interesting read about a talented, determined and successful young woman who has a heart of gold.
January 12, 2018
Very moving.
March 7, 2019
Slow start hence the 4 and not 5 stars. She went into detail about her first marriage and affair which was great reading and my heart goes out for her and her baby Theo. Great book.
August 20, 2023
Really honest and true. Enjoyed reading her story. Full of heartbreak and joy
February 14, 2025
Good read
March 8, 2014
I was looking forward to reading this autobiography of Amanda Holden - mainly having seen Amanda as a judge on Britain's Got Talent. I knew that Amanda was an actress but was not aware of her wide range of programmes that she had appeared in nor that she was an actress in musical theatre as well (I knew she had done Shrek but I thought this was the only musical she had appeared in).
The book is very easy to read - it is written very simply but it doesn't distract too much from the enjoyment of the book.
I admire Amanda for being brutally honest about her marriage to Les Dennis and affair with Neil Morrissey. The chapters about her miscarriage and still birth are heartbreaking and I can only have the highest admiration for her and her husband with the dignity and composure they had in the days and months following these terrible events.
This is definitely the best celebrity autobiographies that I have read as Amanda did not irritate me by constantly name dropping (like some of them do). Overall a very enjoyable read and I would definitely recommend it.
The book is very easy to read - it is written very simply but it doesn't distract too much from the enjoyment of the book.
I admire Amanda for being brutally honest about her marriage to Les Dennis and affair with Neil Morrissey. The chapters about her miscarriage and still birth are heartbreaking and I can only have the highest admiration for her and her husband with the dignity and composure they had in the days and months following these terrible events.
This is definitely the best celebrity autobiographies that I have read as Amanda did not irritate me by constantly name dropping (like some of them do). Overall a very enjoyable read and I would definitely recommend it.
July 28, 2023
emotional rollercoaster
I really felt like Amanda was sitting next to me telling me about her life. She seems very emotional and in touch with her feelings. She comes across as friendly and someone that puts her family and friends first. It was a pleasure getting to know her through this book.
I really felt like Amanda was sitting next to me telling me about her life. She seems very emotional and in touch with her feelings. She comes across as friendly and someone that puts her family and friends first. It was a pleasure getting to know her through this book.
March 8, 2014
I really enjoyed the first 2/3 of the book when we find out about her rise to fame, Les, the infamous affair and lots of other gossip, but the direction of the book understandably took a darker and sad turn when we learn of her tragic stillbirth pregnancy in 2010. The mood didn't seem to pick up after then and left the book feeling unbalanced. I can see, however, how this book could become a very good tool as a coping mechanism for women in the same position but as a 'light' read it got a bit deep and heavy and for me.
March 19, 2016
A life in public
Amanda has lived most of her adult life in the spotlight of the media. Her childhood was mostly normal even though she felt early on a need to be in the spotlight. She tells of her first marriage toes Dennis and her affair with Neil Morrissey. Then meeting her soul mate, Chris Hughes, and their first daughter, Lexington. Also the tragedies of her lost babies and how she nearly died during her second daughter, Holly's birth. An optimistic and hard working girl and she deserves to succeed in whatever she does next.
Amanda has lived most of her adult life in the spotlight of the media. Her childhood was mostly normal even though she felt early on a need to be in the spotlight. She tells of her first marriage toes Dennis and her affair with Neil Morrissey. Then meeting her soul mate, Chris Hughes, and their first daughter, Lexington. Also the tragedies of her lost babies and how she nearly died during her second daughter, Holly's birth. An optimistic and hard working girl and she deserves to succeed in whatever she does next.
March 19, 2014
Well it has taken me months to get through this book, it was one of the best cures for my bouts of insomnia I have ever known. I never really had much interest in Amanda Holden, knew next to nothing about her until she appeared on BGT and only read the book because I had it on my Kindle. I do feel for her losing a baby Theo so late in her pregnancy and the problems she had following the birth of Hollie but I have to say 90% of the book is pure drivel.
November 23, 2014
Really enjoyed this book, Amanda talks about her childhood , her family , relationships , friendships, marriages , her acting in tv shows, theatre , and presenting jobs, and of course Britain's got talent . She also talks about her problems with the media. She talks of her pregnancies , and her much loved daughters and also her miscarriage and also the loss of her baby boy and what her and her husband went thru. A great interesting read, was hard to put down .
February 2, 2014
Quite enjoyed this book found amanda to be extremely honest and the book was extremely easy to read. Like alot of other people i was horrified at the level of deception she had towards her husband who thought she was taking the pill when she wasnt. How much trust is between them after that is anyones guess.
January 24, 2014
If you love Amanda Holden then you will love this book. If you hate Amanda Holden then you will(probably) hate this book. If you want to read an enjoyable autobiography about a woman who has been through some very times and has a story to tell, then read this book. I found myself empathising with her a lot (apart from a need for pregnancy. I like her and I really enjoyed the book
April 29, 2014
This book won't win any literary awards. I selected it having read positive reviews. Amanda talks openly about some of the real stories surrounding her life traumas, her marriage to Les, her affair with Neil, and her loss of her baby. I didn't feel any sympathy for her and felt she was ruthless at times, even falling out with close family members
October 20, 2014
I actually couldn't put this book down and finished it in under a day. It's totally fascinating and gets rid of a lot of misconceptions of Amanda that people may have, ie the infamous affair with Neil Morrisey. It also takes us through her pain after her still birth with Theo, and nearly dying after having Holloe.
One of the best autobiographies I've read
One of the best autobiographies I've read
March 18, 2014
I have to say this book was very open, honest and frank. I would recommend it to anyone out there who likes Amanda Holden. Amanda may come across as a ditzy blond but she is far from that. There have been some highs and lows in her life and Amanda has opened up and discussed them all.
August 2, 2015
An interesting and honest account of her ups and downs both personally and professionally. I didn't really appreciate just how much acting she had done. I'm so pleased she found her happy ending with Chris and their two girls
January 8, 2023
Brilliant. Could not put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews