Amanda Holden has responded to criticism directed at her eldest daughter Lexi, who has been labelled a “nepo-baby” following her signing with Storm modelling agency.
She subsequently appeared in a catwalk at London Fashion Week in 2024, and Ms Holden has now hit back at such accusations.
“Being someone’s kid is not going to secure work, make a living for you and longevity in whatever career,” the Britain’s Got Talent judge said of her 20-year-old daughter.
The 55-year-old television presenter acknowledged that family connections can provide initial opportunities but maintained this is universal across all professions.
Amanda Holden with daughters Lexi and Hollie in 2023 | INSTAGRAM/AMANDA HOLDEN
“It may get you a foot in the door, but then you’re on your own, so I think it’s unfair to sort of single out showbusiness or the music industry, because they’re the worst businesses to be in!” she added to Mail Online.
The Heart Breakfast presenter expressed her disdain for the nepo-baby label, insisting that children of celebrities must ultimately prove themselves independently.
“I just hate the term nepo baby because it’s up to them to make it on their own,” she explained.
Ms Holden also pointed out that being born to well-known parents frequently creates additional hurdles rather than advantages.
Amanda Holden pointed out that being born to well-known parents frequently creates additional hurdles rather than advantages
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PA“And it’s often worse having a famous parent, it’s not often a good thing,” she remarked.
The radio host drew comparisons with other industries, suggesting that using personal networks to advance careers is commonplace everywhere, not merely in entertainment.
She argued that entertainment and music remain among the most difficult sectors to establish oneself in, regardless of family background.
The presenter revealed that she extends assistance beyond her own family, offering opportunities to various young people seeking experience in the media industry.
Amanda Holden has responded to criticism directed at her eldest daughter Lexi
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At Global Radio, where she hosts her breakfast show, the presenter explained that work experience placements are available to those with connections to staff members.
“At Global, this is the week where the kids come in to make the tea and coffee and see how it all works,” she said.
“Everyone has such tenuous connections and it’s brilliant, we welcome them with open arms.”
Her younger daughter Hollie, 14, is scheduled to undertake work experience at the radio station next year.
The Britain’s Got Talent judge defended her 20-year-old daughter
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GETTY“If I can help anyone, I’ll do it. It’s not just my own kids, it’s my friends’ kids,” Ms Holden added.
She went on to share that her youngest daughter has conflicting feelings about her mother’s celebrity status.
The teenager reportedly finds having a famous parent embarrassing in everyday situations, requiring Holden to drop her off away from school to avoid attention.
“I have to drop her off at the end of the road!” the presenter revealed.
However, Hollie’s attitude shifts when her mother’s profile proves beneficial for accessing exclusive events.
“She loves it when it can get her into like the theatre for like The Stranger Things premiere or something, but yeah, she hates it the rest of the time,” Ms Holden explained.