For over a decade, the chemistry between Britain’s Got Talent judges Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell has been undeniable—equal parts teasing, tension, and surprising tenderness. But behind the laughs, cheeky comments, and on-air eye-rolls lies something far more curious: a “special game” the two have secretly been playing for years.

Fans have speculated about their dynamic for ages—are they just close friends, or is there more to the story? According to sources close to the show, the truth is both stranger and more charming than anyone expected.

The so-called “special game,” as Amanda jokingly referred to it during a 2012 radio interview, isn’t about romance—but rather about psychological warfare… with a wink. “It started during Season 3,” Amanda once hinted. “Simon dared me to go one entire day without rolling my eyes at him. Of course, I lost by noon. But since then, we’ve turned it into a ridiculous game of one-upmanship—who can mess with the other more convincingly on live TV.”

From swapping each other’s coffee with decaf (or stronger) before auditions, to trying to make each other laugh during serious moments on stage, the “game” evolved into a series of secret inside jokes, bets, and challenges known only to them—and now, finally, to the fans.

But here’s where it gets more surprising.

One former producer revealed that Simon once challenged Amanda to say a word that “rhymes with trousers” during a completely unrelated critique. She did—and even managed to work it in smoothly. “It was our code word for the rest of the season,” Amanda later admitted in a podcast, laughing.

Despite the silliness, there’s a deeper undertone to the game. Amanda once said in an interview, “It’s our way of staying sane in the chaos. This show is so high-pressure sometimes. But having that little spark of mischief between us—it’s kept us grounded.”

In a world of reality TV where feuds and drama are often manufactured, the playful rivalry between Amanda and Simon is refreshingly real. And now that fans know about the behind-the-scenes games, they’re watching with new eyes—trying to catch the next secret dare or prank mid-broadcast.

So next time you see Amanda give Simon that smirk, or Simon crack a joke that makes Amanda groan—you’ll know. The “special game” lives on.

And honestly? We’re all in on it now.