Amanda Holden says role in new Disney film Hoppers is ‘a dream come true’

The 55-year-old features in the upcoming animated film.

By contributor Carla Feric, Press Association Entertainment Reporter
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Supporting image for story: Amanda Holden says role in new Disney film Hoppers is ‘a dream come true’
Amanda Holden features in new Disney film Hoppers (Ian West/PA)

TV personality Amanda Holden, who features in new Disney film Hoppers as Amanda The Spider, has said the role is “absolutely extraordinary” and “a dream come true”.

The 55-year-old features in the upcoming animated film, which follows the story of Mabel (Piper Curda) who uses secret technology to turn herself into an animal.

Holden, who is best known as a judge on ITV talent show Britain’s Got Talent, has had a series of acting gigs – having starred in TV drama Wild At Heart and comedy series The Grimleys.

Speaking about her latest role ahead of the UK premiere of Hoppers, the star told the Press Association: “I mean, it’s a dream come true.

“Obviously, Disney and Pixar are in every family household, and to be part of an iconic movie like this is just absolutely extraordinary, and something that I just never though would happen.”

Holden described her character as a “sharp-witted, sarcastic spider”, and she features in the film alongside her friend Alan Carr, who she said is “playing a little squirrel”.

The Fashion Awards 2025
Amanda Holden is best known as a judge on ITV talent show Britain’s Got Talent (Ian West/PA)

Speaking about working with the Celebrity Traitors winner, Holden told PA: “Alan and I were allowed to direct each other, so obviously we took the mickey.

“Alan made me crouch down, jump up. Go large, go small. I made him stand on one leg, spin around.

“He even dressed up as a squirrel just because he’s so method. I wore a spider fascinator. We were totally in character for the whole thing.”

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Alan Carr voices a ‘little squirrel’ in the film (Ben Whitley/PA)

Holden was joined by her co-star Curda, as well as director Daniel Chong and producer Nicole Paradis Grindle at the event in Leicester Square, London.

American actress Curda, 28, described the movie as “weird” and “unexpected”, and told PA: “I think everyone should watch it, there’s something for everyone in the movie.

“If you want to see a movie that makes you laugh, this one will do it. If you want to see a movie that makes you cry a bit, this one will do it.

“If you want to see a movie that gets a little spooky, this one will do it. There truly is something for everyone.”

Hoppers will be available to watch in cinemas in the UK from March 6