Amanda Holden’s Big Ride to Work
A year in 20 photographs 8/20 – Amanda Holden takes on a five-day charity cycling challenge for Global Radio Make Some Noise
I took this photo of Amanda Holden in Richmond Park on the fifth and final day of her Big Ride to Work. We had cycled from Bude in Cornwall and finished at the Global Radio HQ in Leicester Square, London.
Amanda Holden’s Big Ride to Work for Global Radio’s Make Some Noise
Our ride through Richmond Park was a highlight of the week. These events are supported by an amazing team working behind the scenes. We have a safety convoy around us when we are on the road. This moment in Richmond Park was around 6:45 am, before the gates opened and traffic was allowed into the park. It meant that Amanda, her Global Radio show producer, and I cycled through the park alone. The sun was coming up, the red deer were out and a low-lying mist added a fantastic atmosphere to the scene. We stopped halfway through the park to soak up the peace before entering central London’s noise and chaos.
Meeting celebrities
I am always nervous before meeting and cycling with celebrities at these events, not knowing how the person will be. I always try to approach these events without preconceptions and often don’t even know who the celebrity is. However, Amanda Holden has always attracted a lot of media attention, usually from the outlets that are more interested in click-bait and gossip, meaning a lot of it can be negative. It was difficult not to start forming thoughts about what her personality might be like. I am delighted to set the record straight that Amanda was extremely friendly, down-to-earth, and an absolute delight to cycle with each day.
It is clear that the media – and by that I mean all forms of it including broadcast, print, electronic, and social, will portray women differently from their male counterparts. Men in the public eye can often be bolshy and forthright. This attitude is accepted and as we know has now led to a lot of men rightly being called out for their behaviour. When women have stood up for themselves or tried to get on an even footing with men they are usually portrayed as ‘divas’ or worse. Misogyny is pervasive throughout society. It is good to see these attitudes are changing, although too slowly.
Amanda Holden Big Ride to Work
