Amanda Holden, a judge on 'Britain's Got Talent' (BGT), is known for her bold and often revealing wardrobe choices, which have led to numerous complaints to the broadcasting watchdog Ofcom. Her penchant for "naked dresses," sheer fabrics, and plunging necklines has frequently captured public attention and sparked debate about on-screen attire.
Throughout her tenure on BGT, Holden, 55, has worn a variety of outfits that have generated viewer backlash. In 2017, a Julien Macdonald gown that plunged to her navel and featured a cut-out panel reportedly triggered 663 complaints, making it the most complained-about TV moment of that year. Another notable outfit in 2015, a Tony Ward gown inspired by fairy tales, prompted around 90 complaints to Ofcom, with an additional 100 viewers complaining directly to ITV. Despite these complaints, the regulator did not launch an investigation, deeming the dress appropriately covered.
A Pattern of Controversy
Further instances of Holden's outfits drawing scrutiny include a low-cut gown during a BGT semi-final in 2016, which resulted in 19 complaints. That same year, Holden and fellow judge Alesha Dixon reportedly drew 90 complaints for their revealing outfits. In 2018, Holden wore a sheer white gown with floral embellishments and later a white and multicoloured floral design with a sheer spider-web covering her chest, both of which were discussed by viewers. She also wore a plunging purple bodice with a full cleavage display at the Pride of Britain Awards in 2018.
More recent examples include a 2020 off-the-shoulder Celia Kritharioti gown with a plunging neckline that some viewers claimed showed a nipple, leading to 235 Ofcom complaints. Holden attributed this to the boning of the corset underneath. In the same year, a plum-coloured Suzanne Neville dress with a lace corset and thigh-high split attracted 136 complaints specifically related to her attire, out of nearly 900 total for the episode. In 2023, a vivid yellow latex corset and matching skirt by Atsuko Kudo, and an ultra-clingy gold wet-look dress, also garnered significant attention and discussion. A plunging white custom gown by Saint Hendrix in a more recent BGT episode continued this trend.
Expert and Personal Perspectives
Digital PR manager Natasha Cooper commented on Holden's fashion, noting that while many of her "naked dress" choices have been successful, some are riskier. Cooper suggests that trends like the naked dress can be styled subtly by accentuating one area, balancing sheer fabrics with layering, and using intentional undergarments. She also raised questions about the appropriateness of certain outfits on national television.
Holden herself has defended her style, encouraging others to "have a little fun and be a little daring" and rejecting the idea of "dressing for your age." She has stated that her family, including her daughters, supports her fashion choices. In one instance, she joked about wearing a strapless peach-coloured dress on Heart Breakfast in 2025 that nearly blended into her skin tone, making it appear as though she wasn't wearing clothes.
Despite the recurring complaints, Ofcom has generally concluded that Holden's wardrobe choices have not breached broadcasting codes, although the ongoing discussion highlights a public sensitivity to revealing attire on family-oriented television programs.