Amanda Holden recently delivered a tongue-in-cheek critique of her upcoming BBC travel series alongside Alan Carr, titled "Amanda and Alan's Greek Job." Her comments, made during an episode of Carr's travel podcast, highlight both the challenges faced during filming and her thoughts on the programme's format. The series follows prior renovations in Spain and Italy, continuing the duo's comedic exploration of travel and home makeovers.
Holden, 54, candidly recounted some of the not-so-glamorous aspects of filming, particularly her discomfort with the dressing room conditions. She grimaced at the memory of changing outfits on “urine-soaked floors,” recalling similar experiences from previous projects. “I’ve got all of Alan’s shirts, like 15 dresses I’ll change into, three hats lined up on the back,” she explained. As she lamented the logistics, Carr added, “The toilets aren't working when we get there. We have to go and use someone's toilet or a portaloo.” This offbeat humour is characteristic of their dynamic and illustrates the realities behind the scenic shots.
The duo expressed dissatisfaction not only with the series’ name but also with their travel arrangements. Carr joked that “My Big Fat Greek Renovation” could be a more suitable title, a playful comment reflecting their light-hearted approach to serious aspects of television production. Perhaps more tellingly, Holden floated the idea of shifting their format to a platform like Netflix, suggesting, “Maybe we should just go to Netflix with our next show, Big in Japan with Amanda and Alan.” This comment highlights a broader trend in the industry, where streaming platforms are rapidly gaining ground over traditional broadcasting.
In a separate yet equally revealing anecdote, Holden shared a personal story about sustaining a leg injury while holidaying in Cyprus in 2019. She recounted how a chaotic encounter with a child running around created a moment of panic that resulted in a double break. “It was flapping around,” she recalled vividly, emphasising the speed at which the hotel staff wanted her off the premises to avoid any negative publicity. This incident, while anecdotal, adds a layer of insight into Holden's past and how her experiences continue to shape her perspective on travel.
Their conversation also illuminated the often unseen but humorous challenges that come with their adventures, from wardrobe malfunctions to unexpected discomforts. Such experiences resonate with viewers who perceive travel as a glamorous escapade, yet often involves a series of trials that can lead to memorable moments—some of which they have documented in their previous series such as “Amanda and Alan’s Italian Job”, where they tackled the renovation of a Sicilian property, melding comedic elements with genuine renovation challenges.
Furthermore, the duo's camaraderie thrives in their shared frustrations and humorous storytelling. It not only entertains but intriguingly captures the essence of travel: the blend of joy, chaos, and unanticipated moments. As they prepare for another round of filming, it remains to be seen how these anecdotes transform into the content viewers will consume. Nevertheless, their penchant for mischief suggests that audiences can expect a delightful mix of laughter and relatability, regardless of the venue.
This candidness and ability to connect with audiences about the unpolished realities of travel could indeed signal a shift in how such programmes are received, especially in an era where authenticity is prized. While the BBC remains the current home for their series, the allure of the streaming giants may yet tempt them into new creative avenues, reshaping the landscape of televised travel shows for good.
Reference Map
- Insights on Amanda Holden's critique of the BBC and her experiences during filming.
- Humorous elements from Alan Carr's anecdotes during filming dynamics.
- Background on Amanda Holden's reflections on travel challenges and cultural misunderstandings.
- Brief overview of "Amanda and Alan's Italian Job" as context for their comedic style.
Source: Noah Wire Services