From idyllic hideaways to hectic kitchens

Hampshire Now meets model and television presenter Amanda Lamb who famously appeared as the face of Scottish Widows in the 1990s, and is best known for hosting Channel 4’s ‘A Place in the Sun’. Amanda has now turned her talents to co-presenting ‘Market Kitchen’ on digital TV channel, Good Food. We find out about her connections with Hampshire.

Where did you grow up in Hampshire?

I was born in Emsworth but grew up in Havant. I have lovely memories of living there. We were only 10 minutes from Hayling Island and I would often eat fish and chips with my grandparents on the seafront.  

What is special about the county for you?

Although I have lived in London for 15 years it still doesn’t feel like home, and I am definitely a Hampshire girl at heart! Everything is on your doorstep — the seaside, the countryside, as well as some amazing towns with great shopping. I regularly visit Hampshire to see friends and family.

What would be your perfect day out in Hampshire?

It would be a picnic in Stansted Park followed by a pint on the wall of the Royal Oak pub in Langstone while watching the sun go down.

You’ve been an estate agent, model, TV presenter and now a mum. What’s been your most challenging role so far?

Being a mum without a doubt — utterly exhausting but the best experience in the world!

How did you get into presenting?

My modelling agency set up an acting and presenting division and my agent kept on at me about having a bash at TV. So I put a show reel together, which happened to coincide with the casting for ‘A Place in the Sun’. The producers were looking for a presenter with estate agency experience, and as I previously worked for GA (now Your Move) in Portsmouth I got the job.

What was your favourite part of working on the property TV show ‘A Place in the Sun’?

It would have to be meeting my partner Sean — he was the cameraman. Also, as cheesy as it sounds, I did feel a sense of achievement when we found suitable properties, as some people had been searching as long as 10 years.

Do you own a property abroad yourself?

Yes in Puglia in the ‘heel of Italy’.   I bought it pre-Willow Rose (my 10-month-old daughter) and I thought I could nip out there all the time, but I am lucky if I get out there once a year now.

Tell us about Market Kitchen?

‘Market Kitchen’ is a daily food show on the digital TV channel, Good Food. I co-present the show with Rachel Allen, Tom Parker-Bowles, Matt Tebbutt and Matthew Fort (two presenters per week). The show features some great celebrity guests and famous chefs, and we have a lot of fun.

Are you a natural in the kitchen?

I’m okay, I’ve learnt a lot since doing ‘Market Kitchen’. I have my fail-safe signature dishes and then every now and again I get a little experimental.

Do you have to cook on the show?

No, not really. When I offer to help the chefs they get a look of terror in their eyes. Once I really messed up one of Aldo Zilli’s dishes so I now just watch and learn!

What’s your all-time favourite dish?

Roast chicken with lots of garlic and lemon. A top tip is to sprinkle paprika onto the skin of the chicken prior to cooking — it’s delicious.

What can we expect to see you in next?

‘Market Kitchen’ is keeping me busy and I am also doing another property show, but this time I meet people who are building their own houses.