Few celebrity friendships in British entertainment feel as genuine and entertaining as that of Amanda Holden and Alan Carr. Over the past few years, their partnership has evolved from a shared sense of humour into one of TV’s most talked-about collaborations. Whether renovating a crumbling villa in Sicily, laughing through design disasters, or teasing each other on social media, Amanda and Alan have become national treasures for all the right reasons.
Their hit BBC show, Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job, captured the hearts of millions — and now, with filming for their next European adventure underway, fans are eager to see what comes next.
A Friendship Built on Fun and Shared Chaos
Amanda Holden, known for her long-running role as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent and her breakfast show on Heart FM, has long been a fixture in UK entertainment. Alan Carr, one of Britain’s most beloved comedians and the witty host of Chatty Man, brings his quick humour and warmth to every project. Together, they form a duo that’s equal parts laughter and chaos.
The two first bonded through mutual friends and quickly realised they shared a similar sense of humour — dry, cheeky, and wonderfully self-deprecating. When the BBC approached them with the idea of a travel-renovation show, the chemistry was instant.
Their first project, a dilapidated house in Sicily, became the setting for their unscripted banter and honest friendship. Amanda’s hands-on design flair paired with Alan’s humorous hesitation around DIY tasks made for compelling television.
Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job: A BBC Triumph
The series premiered to strong viewing figures, with the first season drawing an average of 2.7 million viewers per episode, according to BARB data. Critics praised its blend of escapism, light humour, and real-world renovation challenges. In an era where reality television often feels over-produced, Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job stood out for its authenticity and warmth.
The show wasn’t just about property makeovers; it was about friendship, resilience, and finding joy in imperfection. Amanda and Alan took on everything from broken tiles to misfitting kitchen cabinets, all while maintaining their trademark humour. Viewers found it refreshingly relatable — two British stars out of their comfort zones, dealing with foreign builders, language barriers, and plenty of laughter.
New Season, New Country: Spain Beckons
After conquering Sicily and later Italy, the BBC confirmed that Amanda and Alan’s next renovation adventure will take place in Spain. Production sources have hinted at locations along the Costa del Sol, where the pair will tackle a sun-soaked fixer-upper.
Speaking to the BBC earlier this year, Amanda said:
“We’ve laughed, cried, and nearly lost our minds over cracked tiles and broken plumbing. So of course, we’re doing it all again — this time with sangria!”
Alan Carr added in his signature dry tone:
“I’m not sure how I got talked into another round of DIY abroad, but if Amanda’s there, I know it’ll be chaos in the best possible way.”
The announcement was met with excitement on social media, with #AmandaAndAlan trending on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after. Fans praised the show’s positivity and escapist appeal — a welcome dose of sunshine and humour in uncertain times.
Why Their Partnership Works
There’s a reason this partnership resonates so deeply with UK audiences. Amanda brings optimism, style, and a dose of glamour, while Alan delivers self-awareness, vulnerability, and sharp humour. Together, they bridge generations — appealing to both long-time BBC viewers and younger fans discovering them through streaming.
Television critic Fiona Stokes told The Independent:
“Amanda and Alan’s chemistry is unforced. What we’re seeing is real friendship — that’s rare on TV. They remind us that fun doesn’t have to be scripted.”
Their laughter-filled exchanges and genuine affection mirror the kind of friendships many people crave: honest, unfiltered, and rooted in loyalty. Beyond the cameras, their bond has become a cornerstone of their personal happiness. Amanda often refers to Alan as one of her “dearest friends” — someone she trusts completely.
Life Beyond the TV Show
Outside the BBC series, both stars remain busy with their own thriving careers. Amanda continues to co-host Heart Breakfast alongside Jamie Theakston, reaching millions of listeners every morning. She also juggles theatre projects and her role as a Britain’s Got Talent judge, maintaining her place as one of the UK’s most recognisable TV personalities.
Alan Carr, meanwhile, recently wrapped up his nationwide stand-up tour Regional Trinket and continues to host Alan Carr’s Picture Slam on the BBC. His sharp observational comedy and down-to-earth charm have kept audiences loyal for over a decade.
Interestingly, their independent successes only seem to strengthen their collaboration. As Alan told The Guardian,
“Amanda gets me — we both work hard, we’ve both had setbacks, but we never take ourselves too seriously. That’s the magic.”
British Viewers Love Their Authenticity
In an age of polished influencers and scripted reality TV, Amanda and Alan stand out for being unapologetically real. They argue, laugh, and occasionally make disastrous design choices — but viewers love them all the more for it.
Their show has even inspired fans to take on their own DIY challenges. According to BBC research, searches for “budget home renovation” and “Mediterranean villa makeovers” surged by nearly 40% during the show’s first season. UK travel agencies also reported a small uptick in bookings to Sicily, fuelled by the show’s picturesque settings.
Their popularity has made them one of the BBC’s most bankable partnerships in years. Industry insiders suggest that Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job could spawn spin-offs — perhaps a travel series or even a celebrity challenge format.
Behind the Laughter: Real Lives, Real Challenges
While their on-screen energy is relentlessly upbeat, both Amanda and Alan have faced personal challenges with honesty and grace. Amanda has spoken publicly about resilience after loss, while Alan has been candid about his divorce and how comedy became a form of healing.
This vulnerability adds depth to their friendship. When Alan faced a difficult period, Amanda invited him to join her in Italy for the show’s first series. What began as a distraction became a transformative project — and a testament to the power of friendship.
“That trip saved me in many ways,” Alan revealed in a candid BBC interview. “Amanda brought laughter back into my life.”
Other Celebrity Friendships Fans Adore
Amanda and Alan aren’t the only stars whose friendships have captivated British audiences. Fans also love keeping up with Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter’s rising celebrity romance, which you can read more about on Birmingham Journal.
Similarly, celebrity relationships like Lewis Hamilton’s girlfriend speculation (read here) and curiosity about Paris Fury’s age (find out here) continue to dominate entertainment headlines — showing the UK’s enduring fascination with personalities who feel both glamorous and relatable.
Elsewhere in UK pop culture, stories about Jack Draper’s girlfriend (see details) and Ella from MAFS (full story) keep audiences engaged in Britain’s ever-vibrant celebrity scene.
By contrast, Amanda and Alan’s friendship offers something refreshingly wholesome — a partnership built not on gossip or controversy, but on shared humour and mutual respect.
What’s Next for Amanda and Alan?
As of late 2025, production for their Spanish series is in full swing, with BBC executives hinting at a 2026 release window. Insiders have teased that the duo will once again buy, renovate, and sell a run-down property, with proceeds going to charity — as they’ve done in previous seasons.
Amanda has hinted that viewers can expect “more laughter, more chaos, and a few surprises.” Alan, meanwhile, joked that he’s “hoping for a pool this time — one that doesn’t leak.”
Beyond that, both stars have hinted at potential live events together, perhaps even a joint podcast. Given their chemistry, such ventures seem destined for success.
A Refreshing Formula for Feel-Good TV
In a world of high-stakes reality formats and celebrity drama, Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job proves that kindness and laughter still win hearts. It’s a reminder that good television doesn’t always need conflict; sometimes, it just needs warmth, friendship, and a touch of mischief.
Their show’s popularity also signals a broader shift in viewer preferences. UK audiences are increasingly drawn to uplifting, authentic content that balances humour with heart — something Amanda and Alan deliver effortlessly.
Television producer Lauren Bright put it simply:
“They’re Britain’s best mates. When you watch them, you feel like you’re part of their gang.”
Final Thoughts
Amanda Holden and Alan Carr have carved out a rare space in British television — one where authenticity, humour, and heartfelt friendship shine brighter than any scripted drama. Their on-screen chemistry and genuine care for each other make them one of the UK’s most beloved duos.
As they prepare to take on Spain for their next BBC adventure, fans can expect more laughter, more chaos, and plenty of unforgettable moments. In an industry that often feels transient, Amanda and Alan remind us why we fell in love with British television in the first place — for the stories, the humanity, and, above all, the laughter.
FAQs about Amanda Holden and Alan Carr
1. Are Amanda Holden and Alan Carr really friends off-screen?
Yes, they are close friends in real life. Their friendship predates their BBC series and is built on mutual trust and humour.
2. Will there be another season of Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job?
Yes, filming for a new season set in Spain is underway, with a release expected in 2026.
3. Where can viewers watch Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job?
The series airs on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer for UK audiences.
4. How did Amanda Holden and Alan Carr meet?
They met through mutual friends in the entertainment industry and bonded instantly over shared humour and life experiences.
5. Are Amanda Holden and Alan Carr planning more projects together?
Yes, there are rumours of a joint podcast and further TV ventures, though nothing official has been confirmed yet.
