Amanda Holden says 'it was funniest thing' as she shares 'X-rated' struggle in BBC show

Amanda Holden and Alan Carr have recently renovated a property in the Costa Del Sol, having previously refurbished a home in Tuscany, but encountered some issues during the work

Amanda Holden and Alan Carr had an “x-rated” struggle as they encountered difficulties in their latest TV project together.

The Britain’s Got Talent judge, 53, and comedian, 48, bought a house in Spain together as part of their latest BBC show. Amanda and Alan’s Spanish Job saw them buying a dilapidated home in the Costa Del Sol and giving it a complete transformation.

It comes after a similar project saw them spending a Euro - around 84p - on a house in Tuscany. According to Best magazine, the Tuscan property sold for around £165,000 after the duo completed the renovation.

Their Spanish adventure however saw Amanda and Alan encounter one major stumbling block - neither of them could speak the language. Amanda told Best: “The funniest thing was when we went to a Spanish DIY shop and tried to ask for things like a chisel or a hammer.”

Alan added: “Some of the hand gestures got quite x-rated.”

While Amanda and Alan’s first series was a hit, they revealed BBC bosses took some convincing before commissioning the show. Amanda says they wanted to make sure they were “genuinely passionate” about interior design.

Amanda says the show however has made her “more confident” in her design. And, since filming the first series she has moved home with husband Chris Hughes and daughters Hollie, 12, and Lexi, 18.

She has “refurbished an entire house” after moving to a £7 million mansion in Surrey. The property boasts a Grecian-themed pool, huge kitchen, and an in-house gym.

Alan meanwhile says renovating homes together gave him a newfound appreciation of colour. He now believes a “little bit of colour and lighting makes you feel better” and that people might not realise their favourite bars or salons have décor that “uplifts” them.

Having completed projects in Italy and Spain, Alan and Amanda are now wondering where they could visit next. Amanda says Greece would be a “dream” but would also consider somewhere “closer to home” if a scheme was available.

The star says “depopulation” - where smaller towns and villages become almost forgotten - is a problem across Europe. Although schemes to snap-up properties cheaply to make sure they are brought back to life “only exists in a few areas”.

Around 25 municipalities in Italy offer properties at a Euro. These are often in areas with ageing populations where younger Italians find themselves moving away in a bid to look for jobs or a more metropolitan lifestyle.

It means the tiny villages see their ageing population dying out, leaving homes empty. Buyers often have to pay legal fees and then renovate the property, or in some cases even live in it.

Amanda & Alan's Spanish Job launches on BBC One at 8pm on Friday, January 24.