Television personality Amanda Holden ushered in the New Year with a glamorous family celebration and a festive appearance alongside her close friend, comedian Alan Carr. The Britain's Got Talent judge, 54, shared intimate glimpses of her evening online, treating fans to sweet family portraits and a joyful moment with her "Traitors bestie."
A Family Affair to Welcome 2026
Holden marked the occasion surrounded by her immediate family at home. She posed for photographs with her husband, music manager Chris Hughes, and their two daughters: 19-year-old Lexi and 13-year-old Hollie. The star looked elegant in a floor-length navy blue dress featuring a plunging neckline, which she accessorised with gold jewellery.
Her daughters mirrored the celebratory spirit in sparkling mini-dresses, while Chris cut a smart figure in a classic black suit. Captioning the heartwarming snap, Holden wrote, "Happy New year. From our family to yours…" The post was quickly met with an influx of warm messages from her followers.
Celebrations with Best Friend Alan Carr
The evening wasn't just for family, as Amanda also shared the spotlight with her great friend and co-host, Alan Carr. In a separate image posted online, the pair were seen sharing a celebratory drink. Carr looked festive in a red crushed velvet suit jacket and black tie, with Holden planting a friendly kiss on his cheek for the camera.
This public appearance together comes after Holden recently addressed persistent rumours linking the duo to the vacant presenting roles on Strictly Come Dancing. She definitively stated, "I want to say now that me and Alan are 100 per cent not doing Strictly. We are so flattered to be in that mix... But, we are not doing it, we are both not doing it."
How Other Celebrities Saw in the New Year
While Holden opted for a glitzy, dressed-up celebration, other famous faces chose markedly different ways to welcome 2026.
Molly-Mae Hague celebrated abroad, jetting off to the Maldives with her partner, boxer Tommy Fury, and their young daughter, Bambi. The family enjoyed a meal out on New Year's Eve, with Hague expressing her gratitude online: "This year gave me what I needed most. Feeling more grateful than ever heading into 2026."
In contrast, Love Island star Maura Higgins preferred a supremely cosy night in. She posted a snapshot of herself wrapped in a duvet, captioning it: "Ending the year the way I love most…slow, cosy, & grateful." She reflected on a year of challenges and change, thanking her followers for their support.
The contrasting celebrations highlight the diverse ways in which public figures chose to transition into the new year, from glamorous family gatherings and exotic holidays to quiet, reflective nights at home.
