Amanda Holden 'thrilled' that Diversity's BGT BLM inspired dance 'jolted people'
Amanda Holden has shared her delight that Diversity's Black Lives Matter inspired performance on Britain's Got Talent touched a nerve with viewers, who complained in their thousands
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Amanda Holden has shared her delight at how Diversity's Black Lives Matter inspired performance on Britain's Got Talent 'jolted people' the first time they saw it.
The 49-year-old BGT judge said that the moment she saw the dance, she knew that it would hit a nerve and after it was aired last month.
It sparked around 24,500 complaints to broadcasting watchdog Ofcom but the watchdog has said that they will not be investigating the show.
Speaking about the dance, Amanda said that it was more than being anti-racism.
She said: "I knew when we all saw it for the first time that it would jolt people and make people think.
"I am thrilled that ITV stood by it as we all do and did because TV is not always there to comfort and entertain you.
"It's there to make you think and it is there to make you start a conversation."
Amanda believes it is a subject that needed to be discussed in living rooms across the country.
She continued: "And as a family show I think that conversation is important on every level.
"It wasn't just about that horrific incident in America. It was also celebrating the NHS and reflecting on lockdown and community and everything.
"It was a very strong piece and it was an honour to be one of the first people to see it."
The routine saw a dancer playing a white police officer kneel on Ashley Banjo, echoing the killing of unarmed black man George Floyd in the US, while others performed with police riot shields.
Amanda is currently standing in as head judge for Simon Cowell as he recovers from a back injury, after falling off a electric bike he was testing at his house in Malibu.
She said that his bad behaviour on set has been what she has missed the most but praised Ashley Banjo, who has stood in for the music mogul.
Amanda said: "Oh my God, I miss him so much. Ashley is doing the most phenomenal job and is so bright and witty and clever and just brilliant.
"(Simon) is so naughty. That's what I miss. I miss having my pigtails pulled and being poked because that's what he does. He just winds us up and I just miss him for that.
"I just badly want him to get back and be well again. But there couldn't be a better choice than Ashley sitting in that seat. It's amazing."
Amanda recently released her debut album, Songs From My Heart, featuring 13 tracks from the world of musicals.
She duets with Sheridan Smith on I Know Him So Well from Chess and sings solo on standards including Somewhere from West Side Story and I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables.
Amanda said she felt the need to show people she deserved her seat on the BGT judging panel.
She said: "I don't feel like I need to prove myself but I always think it is a good idea to constantly put myself out there because I am a judge on Britain's Got Talent.
"I have always said that I couldn't possibly judge people unless I am willing to be judged myself and I stand by that."
*Amanda Holden's debut album Songs From My Heart is out now via Universal Records.
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