Amanda Holden has marked the 14th anniversary of her stillborn son Theo’s death by sharing a poignant tribute on social media.
The Britain’s Got Talent judge, 53, posted a photograph of a burning candle on Instagram on February 1, writing: “Our beautiful boy would have been 14 today.”
The emotional tribute comes as the TV presenter continues to raise awareness about stillbirths, having previously spoken openly about her devastating experience.
Holden, who is mother to daughters Lexi, 19, and Hollie, 13, with husband Chris Hughes, has been vocal about sharing her story to help other parents who may be going through similar experiences.
In 2011, Amanda was seven months pregnant with Theo when a routine scan revealed his heart had stopped.
The devastating discovery led to Amanda and her husband having to make the difficult decision to have a cesarean section.
Holden shares two daughters with her husband Chris Hughes
Speaking in September 2022, Amanda revealed the traumatic nature of her hospital experience, describing how she was made to feel like a “game show contestant” when medical staff told her she was “going home empty handed.”
The hospital did take some sensitive measures, with Amanda noting: “They very sensitively moved me into another room so I could deliver him without having to hear the lovely babies screaming on a normal ward.”
The experience prompted Amanda to work with baby loss charity Aching Arms, helping to raise awareness and funds through initiatives including her 3 Peaks Challenge.
Speaking on Heart Radio in 2022, Amanda shared the raw emotional impact of the experience: “I just remember hearing this woman just screaming and screaming and then it was actually — it was me, I realised it was me that was screaming.”
Holden’s tribute from last year
“It was the most surreal, out-of-body experience and I was actually calling my daughter’s name because I was just terrified about what to tell Lexi at the time,” she revealed.
Though initially hesitant, Amanda found the strength to hold her son to say goodbye.
“I held him in my arms and I said goodbye, basically. But I couldn’t have done it without the incredible team around us. My husband was so strong and so amazing but they got him through it too,” she said.
The presenter has particularly praised the nurses who supported her, including Jacki Nash, Pippa Nightingale and Natalie Carter.
Holden revealed the months after Theo’s death were “horrific”.
“My husband was frightened of having another child, he never wanted to see me go through that pain again — and himself,” she told The Sun.
Holden explained the difficult period after her son’s death
ITV
“But I knew in order to carry on and live life, I had to have a baby and I was lucky enough to have the choice and be able to have another one.”
According to NHS data, one in every 250 pregnancies in England result in stillbirths.
A stillbirth occurs when a baby is born dead after 24 completed weeks of pregnancy, with causes often linked to placenta complications, birth defects or the mother’s health. However, some cases have no obvious cause.
The NHS advises that following a stillbirth, mothers may wait for labour to start naturally or have it induced. In rare cases, cesarean sections may be performed.
