As Queen of Britain’s Got Talent, Amanda Holden has been on the ITV juggernaut since it first buzzed into our lives in 2007, alongside pal Simon Cowell.

Eighteen years on, the star, 54, reveals highlights from the new series, which kicks off tomorrow, why she would like to pop her finger into guest judge KSI’s mouth, and why halibut is off the menu…

Blackpool is the home of BGT this year, what were the audience like?

They were wild! I just loved being in Blackpool – they were super warm and brilliantly up for it and very loud. I honestly don’t think we’ll go back to London. Forget New York, if you do it in the north, you’ve cracked it.

Did you get hecklers?

The banter with the audience was great, a woman called Simon an old fart, which did make me laugh. I thought, ‘God, he’s changed, I don’t know if he would’ve taken that so lightly that long ago.’ He was laughing his head off.

These women were saying they wanted a golden buzzer, they flicked the Vs and all the way through the next two or three acts, there are these women giving him the finger! Then at the end they’re like, “Simon, can we have a selfie?”

Any dangerous moments for you?

Thankfully I was given a rest – they know I’m a screamer. KSI was like a rabbit out of the trap – he just ran up on stage. Simon seems to volunteer quite often. The knife-throwing on a wheel five years ago was the start of it.

What does the show mean to you?

My children [Lexi and Hollie] have grown up on it, I have ­celebrated their birthdays at the show, cakes have come out, friends, teachers and family.

We’ve turned into a family ourselves – Hollie and Simon’s son Eric, play together every other weekend in the Cotswolds. Our lives are so intertwined. There’s a fondness, which makes it difficult for Simon to get rid of anyone!

What were you like at 18?

It was after I had done my exams in performing arts and moved to London. I was very determined, very blinkered, fiercely independent. I was opinionated, loud – all the things I am now.

So performing was always your dream?

Yeah, I was nine when I knew, and my parents actively encouraged me. You have to graft. But I always had a job on the side. Spraying perfumes, stacking shelves, cleaning toilets – everything.

How did you celebrate your 18th?

My mum will hate this, but I had a very grown-up party. She had bought a halibut – I’ve never been able to eat it since!

My 21st was far more raucous. I was on tour with the Sound of Music and had a big party in a Greek restaurant.

What advice would you give your teenage self?

Have patience. If someone had told me at 18 that the best time of your career will be 2024 when you’re in your fifties, I’d have laughed. My 18-year-old self would be like, ‘I’m not waiting that bloody long!’

Does it feel like 18 years?

I was stirring soup after Lexi’s first birthday when the call came, ‘do you want to do this gig?’ And I was like ‘oh yeah, five years that’ll be lovely’. And now to have a daughter at university. I do feel very lucky that I’ve hung in there for all this time.

Does everyone want a golden buzzer these days with four yeses no longer enough?

I’ve always said we should go the other way and have a trap door and be able to eject acts that are rubbish. That would be great telly! Almost better than a golden buzzer for lols.

Can you imagine doing another 18 years?

No, I cannot! It would be perfect if we passed a baton down to our actual children. Bruno will still be there or there’ll be an AI Bruno.

Is Bruno a bit calmer?

He just goes full throttle. He’s a completely different off screen. It’s been a real eye-opener seeing him in this role. He’s gorgeous.

KSI had his mouth open in shock a lot of the time?

Yeah, if he’s back next year I might put my finger in there, see what happens! What’s brilliant is he does bite-sized opinions. He super quick and speedy.

Was it strange seeing KSI sitting in Simon’s chair?

It suited him. Obviously I should have been the one in Simon’s chair, I’m the oldest. Except Bruno, but that doesn’t count!

Is Auzzy Blood [contestant who hangs hooks and tubes out of his face] the most extreme thing you’ve seen?

I think so although on season one there was a man with a dart board on his back and somebody threw darts at him, Then there was this old lady who smashed concrete slabs on her neighbour’s back. We suddenly realised we had to have health and safety on this show.

*Britain’s Got Talent, ITV, Saturday, 7pm

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