Amanda Holden has sparked some tension at the BBC with her recent comments about the number of flights she took during the filming of her latest show.
The revelation comes just weeks after the BBC unveiled its ambitious Climate Transition Plan, aiming to become net-zero by 2050.
The BBC’s Climate Goals Clash with Holden’s Travel Habits
In the wake of the BBC’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, director general Tim Davie emphasized the importance of collective action to cut emissions.
He stressed that this effort won’t be easy, but it is necessary for the future.
However, Holden’s admission of taking 28 flights during the production of Amanda & Alan’s Spanish Job seems to directly contradict these efforts.
The show, which aired on Fridays at 8pm on BBC1, follows Holden and comedian Alan Carr as they transform a dilapidated three-storey townhouse in Spain into a boutique B&B.
According to a BBC insider, the number of flights taken during the production was a hot topic at Broadcasting House.
The source claimed that if Holden took 28 flights, the rest of the crew likely contributed even more to the air miles.
The insider suggested that Holden’s comments undermine the BBC’s environmental goals, especially given Davie’s recent statements about reducing emissions.
The Show’s Demanding Schedule and Holden’s Travel Plans
In a podcast interview on The Rest Is Entertainment, Holden explained how the filming process required constant back-and-forth travel between the UK and Spain.
She mentioned that she and Alan Carr had other work commitments, so they would fly in for a few days of filming, return home for other projects, and then fly back again a few days later.
Holden also revealed that there were times when their schedules didn’t align, so viewers might see her relaxing while Alan worked on the renovation, and vice versa.
Holden herself clarified that the total number of flights wasn’t exactly 28, but rather 16.
Even so, the environmental impact of these flights was still significant, as a return flight between the UK and Spain generates approximately 195kg of CO2 per passenger.
BBC’s Response to the Backlash
When asked for comment, the BBC defended its production practices.
They noted that every effort was made to minimize carbon emissions, including waste recycling, using rechargeable batteries for filming equipment, and car sharing.
Additionally, the crew was sourced locally in Spain, and most of the crew members who traveled from the UK were based in Spain for the duration of their contracts.
The BBC also pointed out that Holden and Carr’s travel was necessary to accommodate their other professional obligations.
The renovation show is produced by Voltage TV and was filmed between March and September 2024.
Success of Previous Shows and Holden’s Public Persona
Amanda & Alan’s Spanish Job is a follow-up to the success of Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job, which aired in 2023 and 2024.
The show was a hit, even earning a nomination for a National Television Award.
In that series, Holden and Carr renovated two rundown apartments in Sicily.
Outside of her TV work, Holden, who is also a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, frequently shares photos of her holidays and travels on Instagram, often showing off picturesque beach scenes and spa visits.
This, combined with her recent comments, has left some questioning the BBC’s commitment to its green goals and whether their star’s actions align with the corporation’s environmental message.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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