Book excerpt: Amanda Holden always knew her destiny was to become a star. At the age of three she was singing, acting and directing plays for family and friends. 'I want to be a household name, like Fairy Liquid,' she told them. Ever the joker, for once Amanda wasn't kidding.From a bit-part in EastEnders she went on to star in hit TV series Cutting It and Wild At Heart and took the lead role in West End musical Thoroughly Modern Millie before Simon Cowell made her a judge in Britain's Got Talent.In this first ever biography of the star, Jim Maloney charts the highs and lows of her remarkable life -- from the heartbreak of having her father walk out on her when she was four, to marrying Les Dennis and her very public affair with Neil Morrissey. She eventually settled down and had her first child with record producer Chris Hughes. Read how Simon Cowell always fancied her and what she really thinks of him. And discover just what her eye-opening cat fight with rival Martine McCutcheon was really all about. Candid and outspoken Amanda Holden admits that her comments and behaviour often get her into trouble but she's proved she is a survivor who can cope with everything life throws at her...