‘This Is My Time!'

As Amanda Holden starts her new £3m radio job, we look at why she’s having the last laugh

- Selina Maycock

Replacing a Spice Girl is a tough job, but one woman who’s proven she has what it takes is Amanda Holden – who took over this month from Emma Bunton as co-host of Heart Breakfast alongside Jamie Theakston. The multimillion-pound gig sees Amanda and Jamie, both 48, heading up Heart radio as it broadcasts nationwide for the first time, making it the UK’s biggest commercial radio morning show. ‘Having listened for years I’m excited to be part of the Heart Fm team! Look forward to waking you all up @thisisheart.’ Amanda announced.

Rewind to autumn last year and Amanda was given the go-ahead by ITV to replace Holly Willoughby on This Morning while she held the fort for Ant McPartlin on I’m a Celebrity… But Rochelle Humes landed the role instead, after Phillip Schofield reportedly vetoed it. The relationship between Amanda and Phil is said to be damaged beyond repair after she confronted him during a This Morning ad break. A source said, ‘She made it clear she felt very let down. He was lost for words but didn’t have much time to respond because the show was going back on air.’