I’m Holden out for better deal, Simon
Amanda negotiates BGT contract... on stage
WHILE Katie Piper and a galaxy of stars made an entrance at a glitzy awards show, Amanda Holden used it to wangle a pay rise out of boss Simon Cowell.
The Britain’s Got Talent judge brought up their wranglings over her contract while Cowell was being celebrated at the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards in London.
Introducing him to the stage with a gushing tribute, she then quipped: “I am currently in negotiations for my 16th year on Britain’s Got Talent.”
Simon, 61, retorted to her cheeky dig by saying: “The deal is done.”
But Amanda, pointedly told him: “No it is not. The deal is not done.”
Other stars at the event at the Hilton on Park Lane included Katie 39, who showed off her enviable abs in a pink bralette.
This Morning’s Holly Willoughby, 41, Cilla star Sheridan Smith, 41, former Strictly dancer Oti Mabuse, 32, and Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, 41 also dressed to impress for Monday’s charity event.
Simon, along with model Naomi Campbell and Gloria Hunniford were among those who pledged £41,000 each to buy new coaches for the Variety Club. Simon’s fiancee Lauren Silverman overcame her nerves to present her husband-to-be with an award for his philanthropy. The 45-year-old said: “He cares so deeply. His aim is to make a difference to people’s lives however and whenever he can. “Becoming a parent has only amplified this for Simon.” Other winners at the event, hosted by Amanda Holden, included singers Gary Barlow, Beverley Knight and Katherine Jenkins. The bash also paid tribute to 100 years of the BBC and Amanda, 51, made a quip about former Health Secretary Matt Hancock’s stint on I’m A Celebrity...
She joked: “When Lord Reith declared that ‘television’s purpose was to educate, inform and to entertain’, I am not sure he envisaged a serving MP eating a kangaroo b **** ck.”