Amanda Holden, 54, given huge boost as Netflix ‘confirm’ future of new series despite ‘moral’ backlash
Amanda Holden’s controversial new Netflix series, Cheat: Unfinished Business, debuted only last week on the streaming service, and despite backlash is now among the top 10 most-watched shows.
The presenter, 54, fronted the new show, which follows former couples whose relationships ended due to cheating.
A synopsis from Netflix reads: “As they reunite at a retreat, each pair will be guided through their issues by relationship expert, Paul C. Brunson, in the hopes that they can face up to their past mistakes, rebuild trust and move forward – either together or apart.
“Will the cheaters be able to fight for forgiveness and win back the hearts of those they betrayed? Or will they have to say goodbye to their relationship for good?”
Prior to airing, the series faced a strong backlash for its premise, with many deeming it “immoral” and accused it of glorifying cheating in relationships.
However, Cheat: Unfinished Business has managed to reach the top 10 position in 22 countries, including the UK and the US less than a week on from its launch.
Thanks to its early success, it seems the relationship series has already been lined up for a second series, with streaming giant Netflix understood to be keen to keep Holden as the presenter.
A TV insider stated: “Netflix know [Holden] is in huge demand and want to make sure that if a second series gets commissioned, she is available to take the reins once more.
“There was always the hope Cheat had the potential for a sequel, but since it dropped it’s got a great response so another season is a no-brainer.”
Speaking to The Sun, the source continued: “But in the current climate where competition is fierce, particularly among dating shows, these decisions can go either way. Producers of the show are confident, however.”
GB News has contacted Netflix for a comment on the reports, which will likely come as welcome news to Holden, who seems to be in high demand for presenting gigs.
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The host is currently taking part in the live semi-finals of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, on which she has been a judge since the popular show’s debut in 2007.
She also has a gameshow set to be released on BBC One later this year, The Inner Circle, and is also understood to be reuniting with friend and co-star Alan Carr for a fourth series of their travel and renovation show.
The first show saw the duo jetting off to Sicily and Tuscany for Amanda and Alan’s Italian Job, with the second series taking place in Spain. The two have also filmed a series in Corfu which is yet to be released.
Speaking ahead of Cheat’s release, Holden gushed over the series on ITV’s This Morning. She confessed: “Probably the producers won’t like me to say this, but you know how some of these reality shows are a bit produced or guided into certain directions?
“We just sort of dropped everything and watched it because we couldn’t believe some of the stuff that happened and the way that it goes.
“And I was a bit like Davina McCall in the old days of Big Brother. I would sit there after we’d finished for the day.”
On the twists and turns, she concluded: “You just couldn’t write it, and it wasn’t written, it’s amazing.”
Outside of her new gig, Holden recently shared a worrying update about one of family dogs, Millie. The pooch required urgent medical attention, with the presenter revealing she was at the vets into the early hours of the morning on Monday.
Taking to Instagram on Monday, Holden recorded a video for her fans to share an update about the dash, but also call on their help.
“Hello, this is a little bit of an appeal,” Holden began. “I had to pop into the emergency vets last night.
“Both of the dogs are absolutely fine now, thanks to North Surrey Veterinary Services in East Mosley,” Holden assured viewers before continuing: “But while I was there, they showed me two dogs that desperately need rescuing.
“This first one that you’ll see a video of is a gorgeous little dog,” Holden went on, as a clip of the canine in question appeared on her feed.
“He was kicked quite badly in his hip (but) he’s had his operation and he walks with a little bit of a limp. He’s absolutely gorgeous. Super, super affectionate, and we loved him when we saw him.
“He’s between five and six and desperate for a forever home. He was abused, but he is confident.”
“And the other doggie that was there that has been there since January is a lurcher, they’ve named him Messy,” she explained.
“He needs somebody who’s got a lot of energy, who likes walking but in a household that doesn’t have a cat. My heart absolutely broke.”
The BGT judge concluded: “I know there are amazing animal shelters up and down the UK. As you know, I’m an ambassador for Battersea Cats and Dogs Home, but these two absolutely stole my heart last night when I had to get Millie into the vets.”
Holden ended her message: “She’s [Millie] absolutely fine, but I wanted to say thank you to them… if you can give those doggies a home, I’d be forever grateful – and so would they!”