Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Amanda’s £1.2m write stuff
Holden launching career as kids author just like her pal Walliams
AMANDA Holden has been offered £1.2million to write a children’s book – and hopes to emulate the 25 million sales of fellow Britain’s Got Talent judge David Walliams.
Budding author Amanda, 48, is already the highest paid woman on British TV. Now she is being courted by several leading publishers.
An industry source said: “Publishers are desperate to snap her up.”
The mum of two has had a string of top secret meetings to decide which deal to take. The source said: “Amanda has told publishers she does not want a ghost writer and wants to use her daughters as inspiration for the novels.
“She’s hoping her books will be successful enough for ITV to turn them into films.”
“It would be a dream for her to be part of that and have a starring role,” the source added.
Little Britain star David, 48, has become one of Britain’s top authors.
His books have been published in 53 languages and adapted for TV.
His 2008 debut The Boy in the Dress is being made into a musical – with the help of superstar singer Robbie Williams.
The source went on: “The publishers are confident they can replicate the huge success David has had with his children’s books, which have been turned into short films by the BBC and Sky.”
Amanda is said to net £5million a year thanks to her role on BGT, a radio breakfast show on Heart FM, a clothing range and a record deal.
She has also netted six-figure sums in endorsements with high street giant M&S and shopping channel QVC.