Amanda Holden's gone cowgirl and begins her plans to steal the show at Simon Cowell's 50th

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

I fly to Nashville to start filming my new TV show for ITV1. What I'm doing here is all top secret, but here's a hint - I'm throwing myself into country and western in true Dolly Parton style! I've even bought myself some sexy cowboy boots and a mini pair for Lexi, who's here with me. I don't have a nanny and I wouldn't dream of jetting off to America without taking my baby girl, so my mum's come over this week to lend a hand - and we're having a blast.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

I'm asked by CBS to do a live video-link interview to New York about Susan Boyle after her incredible performance on the America's Got Talent final. I say that it's great that she's so confident now - I always knew she had it in her! I don't mention a cheeky text I received from Piers Morgan after her performance. "Oh my God, Susan Boyle just squealed when she saw me," he wrote. She's still got a soft spot for him, I can tell. When I'm back in LA I'd love to catch up with her if she's in town.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Get a text from hubby Chris who says he's just been mistaken for TV presenter George Lamb at a party! Even George thinks Chris looks like him - when I did a radio interview with George recently he had a screen saver of himself and Chris on his laptop. He can't believe the similarity!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

Word reaches me that the party Sir Philip Green's throwing for Simon Cowell's 50th birthday has finally been made public. I've been dying to talk about it since I got my huge silver invitation a month ago! Forget the estimated £500,000 budget, I've heard it's going to cost way more than that. As you can imagine, I was hoping I'd need my passport and the bash would be somewhere hot like Barbados. As it goes, we're heading to Barnet in north London where Sir Philip's hired a Palladian mansion. How glam! This is going to be the birthday party of the century and all the guests are panicking about what to buy the man who has everything. I'm not - I have a surprise up my sleeve!

I'm making a huge effort for the bash. My favourite dressmakers, Ralph & Russo, have designed me a peachy pink dress, covered in Swarovski crystals and with a big split up the side - I like to get a bit of leg out while I'm still young! I don't see it as competing with other invited guests like Cheryl Cole, Kylie and Dannii Minogue and Kate Moss because I know I won't ever beat them - but I'd like to be up there with the best of 'em.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Cosying up to Kenny Rogers

I read that Alesha Dixon's getting flak as a Strictly Come Dancing judge and I feel sorry for her. She didn't stand a chance after the backlash over Arlene Phillips' departure. I met Alesha once - she's lovely, but I think it's time for her to get her claws out and prove herself. Good luck, girl!

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

I bump into singer Kenny Rogers, who was receiving an award for pioneering country music. We have a chat and he hints that he may be doing a duets album with Dolly Parton. I loved Islands In The Stream - so I can't wait!

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

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