Amanda's tame at heart

Wild At Heart's Amanda Holden admits that she's got so used to filming in the African bush she takes the stunning wildlife for granted.

"I completely take it for granted while I'm there now," she shrugs. "I'll be having a cup of tea on the balcony during filming and a giraffe will walk past and we're like, right," she shrugs. "It's terrible. But, yes, it is amazing and beautiful."

The 35-year-old - who lives near London in Richmond with fiance Chris Hughes, a record executive, and daughter Alexa - admits she still managed to miss city life after a while.

"I missed buildings," the Hampshire-born actress says. "I wanted chaos, traffic fumes - everything Ken Livingstone hates. And I didn't want Ken Livingstone," she laughs. "Towards the end I just didn't want to see any space, or sun, or dust, or beautiful creatures and gorgeous sunsets.

"I really do feel so emotional when I come in on the plane over London. I love England. But of course that doesn't last long. A week later I'm wanting the space and clear air again."