Who is Myrtle Holden? Who plays Amanda Holdens nan in Mandy and Myrtle: The Holden Girls - and is she real

Amanda Holden has been the face of many hit TV shows across the past two decades, from Britain’s Got Talentto BBC’s I Can See Your Voice.

Her latest venture is quite different from presenting and judging, as she shares what life is like when you move your granny from her homely Doncaster suburbs to The Big Smoke for new series ‘Mandy and Myrtle: The Golden Girls’.

In March, Amanda revealed the documentary-style show would air on Channel 4’s E4 and would star her nan, Myrtle Holden.

Myrtle’s identity has now been revealed, posing a scary resemblance to TV funnyman Keith Lemon.

So, who is Myrtle Holden? This is what you need to know ahead of ‘Mandy and Myrtle: The Holden Girls’ premiering on E4.

Who is Myrtle Holden?

Myrtle Holden is the latest character to be played by comedian Leigh Francis, best known for his roles in Bo’ Selecta! and his stage name, Keith Lemon.

Francis will play the role of Amanda Holden’s nan, a quick-witted, no nonsense pensioner who is adamant she won’t be moving in with Amanda.

Pictures released of the pair show Francis dressed in thick-rimmed glasses, floral blouses and an ash-blonde cropped haircut.

A spokesperson for Amanda’s nan, Myrtle, said: “I have no comment, apart from I’m really hoping being on TV might mean I can finally meet my favourite young man, Ben Shephard.”

What is the series about?

The mockumentary-style show follows Myrtle as she struggles to settle in after being uplifted from her family home in Dorset and forced to move into Amanda’s swanky London pad with her young family.

Myrtle’s difficult attitude and lack of compromise soon sees Amanda forced to choose between her elderly grandmother and her husband.

While tensions escalate between the in-laws, Mandy tries to hold her tongue as nan Myrtle  throws so uncomplimentary comments her way too.

The series will also feature some other celebrities, such as Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood and nan’s favourite man, Good Morning Britain’s Ben Shepherd.

When is Mandy and Myrtle: The Holden Girls on TV?

The Holden Girls first aired on Tuesday 7 September.

Two episodes will be shown back to back each week for four consecutive weeks, a total of eight episodes have been produced for the first series.

The first of two episodes airs at 10pm on E4 with the second airing straight after at 10.35pm.

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