FRIDAY, JULY 17
I'm a Champneys virgin. There you go, I've said it. Friends of mine rave about the spa, but this is my first time - and I can't wait.

I've arranged a big celebration for my best friend Sarah Parish's 40th birthday. I met Sarah, who stars in Mistresses, about nine years ago - it's hard to believe we've reached the Big 4-0 (well, 18 months to go for me). Thankfully, we don't care. We think we look bloody marvellous!

Once in robes and slippers, we go for beauty treatments (I'm first in there with an Elemis facial) before tucking into champagne and mojito cocktails. God, they're lethal. I'm worried we're going to be stuck munching on health food (life's too short for diets) so I have a word with the chef. He smuggles in clotted cream to serve with Sarah's cake, which is decorated with a picture of her dressed as a troll for her role in BBC1's Merlin. Who says there aren't any decent roles for women?!

Sarah actually turned 40 last June. Initially we put her birthday plans on hold because our work schedules clashed. Then she had such a terrible time after her baby daughter, Ella Jayne, sadly passed away in January. Dinner is the first chance we've all had to catch up and hear her talk - she's so positive.

There's lots to be happy about. Our GBF (Gay Best Friend), former Corrie actor Charlie Condou [midwife Marcus Dent], is going to be a dad in September.

Sarah with her birthday cake

Now, this is a very modern pregnancy! Charlie has a partner, but he's becoming a dad with a close female friend. And it's going to be one lucky baby.

Charlie's born to be a dad and a spy. He reported from the male changing room that a boxing legend went for a steam totally naked and was a 'knockout' downstairs. Thankfully I'll have to take his word for it!

SATURDAY, JULY 18
I call Sarah's room and pretend to be the manageress complaining about the noise. Ashen-faced, she hurtles into my room. Am clearly a better actress than I thought!

I later ask someone on reception to type a letter saying: "Can you remind your party this is a place of rest and recuperation, not a party hotel", and slip it under Sarah's door. She then tries to tell us off for being so noisy. I'm unable to hold in the laughter and lose it before confessing. Never underestimate the therapy of having fun with your best friends.

Amanda (left) and Sarah (front) dance up a storm!

SUNDAY, JULY 19
I organise a belly-dancing class. What a laugh! We dress up in veils and floaty skirts then prance around wiggling our hips. Definitely one for a Britain's Got Talent special. That's if Simon doesn't buzz us off in seconds!

MONDAY, JULY 20
Am in Bude, Cornwall, visiting my parents with Lexi. I spent many childhood holidays here, swimming in the freezing sea. Today's no different. I grab a boogie board and hit the surf.

Only when I'm wet, cold and have snot hanging from my nose do I clock a school party staring at me from the shore. I smile and wave. Well, at least they're not the paparazzi!

What do you think of Amanda's diary? Email her at amanda@fabulousmag.co.uk

AMANDA USED A CASIO EX-FS10 CAMERA, RRP £300 (CASIOATCARNABY.CO.UK) AMANDA WEARS: DRESS, ZARA; SHOES, ALDO AMANDA STAYED AT CHAMPNEYS TRING

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