Amanda Holden joins Scam Interceptors to take on fraudsters

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

Amanda Holden has decided she has had enough of scammers trading on her name, so she is stepping straight into the fight. After criminals used her image to trick victims out of large sums of money, she has teamed up with the Scam Interceptors crew for a one off special that forms part of BBC Scam Safe Week.

The episode pairs her with Rav Wilding and the rest of the team as they dig into the global networks responsible for targeting people across the UK, including the ones pretending to be Amanda herself. It is a personal mission for her, and you can feel that edge in the way the programme has been framed.

The team sticks to the same remote access tools used by the scammers, turning the technology back on the fraudsters. They are able to watch the operations unfold in real time, track how the criminals work and move in before another victim is caught up in the mess. The plan is simple. See the scam forming, expose the people behind it and shut it down before any money changes hands.

It is a rare chance to watch the tables being flipped on a group that usually hides behind screens. For Amanda, it is also a way to reclaim her own name from the people who have been misusing it, while helping the team shine a light on the growing scale of scam crime in the UK.

Watch Celebrity Scam Interceptors from 2pm on Monday 24 November on BBC One and iPlayer

Interview with Amanda Holden

What made you take part in Scam Interceptors?

I can't stand injustice. My family and friends say I'm always ready to fight a cause or someone's corner so I thought this was something I would be quite passionate about having had some recent first-hand experience!

You've had some personal experience of dealing with scammers, haven't you?

I was part of what the police called a 'romance fraud'. I later found out that relatives of a vulnerable older man contacted the police to ask for help as they were so worried. They wanted to stop their uncle from putting his house on the market because he believed that the proceeds of the sale were then going to come to me and we were going to live together! Obviously, this was never going to happen. The first I heard about it all was from the police. The scammers were going to pocket all his money.

I found this shocking and felt personally responsible for his wellbeing so tried to help the police in every way I could. Brilliantly and just in the nick of time he did not sell his home. He realised that there was no relationship with me directly. It made me realise that my profile is out there being used for all sorts of bad reasons so I thought if I can use my profile for good, and draw attention to the week of scam programming, then that could only be a positive thing. Thank goodness this person's family stepped in.

What did you learn from your time in the scam hub?

I literally don't know how the team copes with the stress of trying to put fires out everywhere and then them igniting again. It's mind blowing but it really pulls on your heartstrings. It's very emotional when you see things happening in real time, money being transferred in seconds, I just wanted to stop them or scream at the individuals that they were being scammed. I realised that every minute counts and every small win is a big win. Plus, I met 'Scamanda' - one of the scammers pretending to be me. I gave them what for!

What would you advise people?

I don't pick up the phone to any number I don't recognise or withheld numbers. I think if someone really needs to speak to you, they will leave you a message or communication will arrive in the post that you can verify with your bank in person. There are official telephone numbers for companies that ring you, so check the number calling you or if you've answered and become unsure of who you are speaking with - hang up! Then google and look for an official number and compare and call your bank to check. Never, ever give out bank details, pin numbers or transfer money is what I say. Hang up and call into your local bank branch or call their official number on the back of your bank card.

Amanda Holden and Alan Carr Take on Their Biggest Challenge Yet in "Amanda and Alan's Spanish Job"

BBC Factual has announced that Amanda Holden and Alan Carr are embarking on their most ambitious project yet. In the third series of their immensely popular show, the dynamic duo will be leaving the UK behind and heading to the sunny south of Spain. Their mission? To take on a rambling, run-down property in the province of Andalusia.

With many rural areas suffering from depopulation, Amanda and Alan hope to breathe new life into the region and attract tourists by showcasing some of its unloved and forgotten areas around the Costa del Sol in "Amanda and Alan's Spanish Job."

Their latest challenge involves renovating their biggest house yet, learning new DIY skills, and stepping out of their comfort zones once again. Their goal is to transform the dilapidated property into a magical oasis. This year, their interior design will be inspired by the rich Moorish influences of the region's bygone eras.

But it's not all hard work for Amanda and Alan. After a day of DIY, they'll immerse themselves in Spanish traditions, exploring the diverse landscape of Andalusia. From the Sierra Nevada mountains to whitewashed coastal villages and historic Moorish towns, they'll indulge in local cuisine, join summer festivals, and get to grips with the local traditions. Sangria sipping, Flamenco dancing, and karaoke singing are all on the agenda for Amanda and Alan's Spanish adventure!

Amanda Holden expresses her excitement, saying, "It's wonderful how often I'm stopped in the street and told how much people love our show. Alan and I have the best time filming it, and to have reached series three already is beyond the dreams of our lockdown pitch to the BBC! Bring on the Spanish sun, we can't wait to get started and continue to help Comic Relief and Children In Need along the way."

Alan Carr adds, "It's always exciting when a show you love gets recommissioned, but the fact that we will be bringing our unique DIY expertise to a whole different country makes it even more special. We are saying ciao for now and Hola España! Can't wait to grab our power tools and get our hard hats on and bring some much-needed TLC to a casa in Spain!"

Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Live Events, expresses her enthusiasm, stating, "We're absolutely delighted that Amanda and Alan are heading to Spain for their biggest and most ambitious renovation project yet. With their passion for interior design, DIY, and discovering local life, audiences are in for a real treat."

"Amanda and Alan's Spanish Job" will be an 8x30' series airing on BBC One and iPlayer. The show is produced by Voltage TV Productions, commissioned by Catherine Catton, and executive produced by Claire Walls, Sanjay Singhal, and Tom Cullum, with Ricky Cooper serving as the Commissioning Editor.