WHY AMANDA ALWAYS GETS A COLD SHOULDER!

... because it’s a clever fashion ruse to only flash one arm at a time, as these pictures of the TV star show

AMANDA HOLDEN has beautiful arms — slim, shapely, bronzed, buffed to perfection and just the right side of muscly.

So why does she choose to get them out one at a time? The BGT star, 49, has been a big supporter of the ‘one-armed bandit’ look for many years — bold asymmetric dresses and suits, with only one arm. From designer creations by the likes of Julien Macdonald to Balmain, costing up to €9,000, it’s a look she returns to. Last week she chose this quirky and modestly-priced pink suit with onesleeved jacket (pictured left) by the online brand Lavish Alice. So why go for one arm when two is the accepted norm? Well, it’s a distraction technique: because with a clever, asymmetric neckline, a one-sleeve outfit diverts attention away from the lower body and to the shoulders and face. It’s also a good way to be daring — but not too much. A half-way house to a full, armless look where only the young and gymready dare venture. And of course, there is a boastful element to it. A onearmed dress or jacket is not going to allow much scope for supportive underwear, so only a strapless bra and a cooperative bosom will do for most wearers. As for rules over left or right — there don’t appear to be any. As the majority of people are right-handed, many favour that side as it’s the arm they feel more comfortable using to hold a clutch bag, which provides a degree of balance (far better than the over-the-shoulder bag with this look). Left or right, the trick is always to ensure that the arm is faultless — after all, it has a big job to do . . . all on its own.

Picture research: CLAIRE CISOTTI Rouche hour: Black velvet dress, around €4,250, Nedret Taciroglu, 2018 Razzle dazzle: Glittering navy maxi dress, €502, Project D, in 2010

It’s in the mail: Chain effect on a dress by J’aton at the 2013 Glamour Women of the Year Awards

Sex a-peel: Orange pleat dress, €1,375, Alex Perry, at BGT auditions last year

Lush blush: Pale pink buckled blazer, €83, and matching trousers, €73, Lavish Alice

Pinky and perky: Jumpsuit, €1,335, Safiyaa, earlier this year

Cutting edgy: Black cut-out dress, around €9,000, Julien Macdonald, 2017 Party perfect: Black Balmain dress, slashed at the side, around €1,230 in 2016 Lean in green: Bespoke sequin mini dress by Ariella Couture, €4,500, at a party for Shrek The Musical in 2011 Beyond the pale: Philip Armstrong embellished dress, around €2,300, in 2016 Back in black: Ribbed black jersey dress, €995, Esteban Cortazar, in 2017 Little black number: Black dress, by Stella McCartney, €1,100, in 2013 Taking the plunge: Deep pink maxi dress, around €2,800, by Basil Soda, in 2015 Blue notes: Maxi dress with black sequin belt, €325, Project D, in 2010