Popular TV and radio host Amanda Holden opened up about a significant family change that still feels strange to her but shared her solution to cope with it. During her Heart Radio show with Jamie Theakston and Ashley Roberts, the 54-year-old discussed Gwyneth Paltrow’s comments on dealing with an empty nest as her kids head off to college.

Holden revealed that her eldest daughter, Lexi, who is turning 20 soon, recently left for university, leaving Amanda, her husband Chris Hughes, and their youngest daughter Hollie, 13, adjusting to life as a smaller household. Holden empathized with Paltrow’s situation, expressing that dining with only three people now feels unusual.

To fill the void, Amanda humorously mentioned her plan to expand their furry family by getting another dog, despite her husband’s reservations. This light-hearted conversation with Jamie included jokes about having more pets versus more children, with Amanda emphasizing her desire to rescue another puppy.

In a previous on-air moment, Amanda hinted at a longing for more children beyond her two daughters and revealed her passion for adopting pets. The couple has already welcomed rescue dog Rudie and cat Muffy into their home, and Amanda’s recent addition of a cat named Bolt from Greece brought both joy and unexpected challenges, including a cat scuffle that left her injured.

Amanda’s candid discussions on family dynamics, pet adoption, and the joys and challenges of household changes have resonated with listeners and showcased her playful and compassionate nature on the airwaves.