Amanda Holden serenades Captain Tom Moore with a 100th birthday tribute

Captain Tom Moore got a special treat on Thursday morning as Amanda Holden serenaded him for his 100th birthday. 

The NHS hero, who admits to having a soft spot for Holden, was treated to a birthday message from the star as she presented her daily Heart Radio breakfast show with Jamie Theakston. 

Emulating screen legend Marilyn Monroe’s iconic birthday tribute to former US President John F. Kennedy, the 49-year old delighted Captain Tom after calling him at his Bedfordshire home.  

‘I said to Jamie, we should have planned this better, I would’ve jumped out of a cake in a swimming costume for you!’ she told him after completing the number. 

Captain Tom was enjoying a second chat with Holden, and Jamie was quick to remind him of their first conversation during Thursday morning’s show. 

‘Tom, I know you’ve got a little soft spot for our Amanda, I think last time, you described her as a “charming creature,” he recalled. 

‘Yes, I certainly have,’ Tom replied. ‘Yes, she’s gorgeous.’ 

The former serviceman became a national hero after raising an £29million for the overstretched National Health Service by walking 100 laps of his garden ahead of his milestone birthday. 

He had originally pledged to raise £1,000 through online platform JustGiving, but the fundraising initiative gained traction after winning the hearts of people across the country, and his kindhearted gesture quickly became the biggest fundraiser in JustGiving history.

Addressing listeners, Tom – a World War II veteran – offered words of advice to those struggling with life behind closed doors during a sixth week of lockdown. 

He said: ‘I think you’ve got to accept it’s very difficult time, we’ve had difficult times before, and what’s more, with all the difficult times we’ve had, we’ve always come out on the bright side and that will happen with this one. 

‘We should all eventually come out on the bright side with the sun shining and we’ll all feel good at the end of the day.’   

Captain Tom – who has been promoted to Colonel as a result of his fundraising efforts  – previously complimented Holden during his last interview with the star a fortnight ago. 

Proving himself to be quite the charmer, the war veteran  admitted he found the BGT host to be ‘a charming creature’ who he ‘likes looking at’.

Amanda said: ‘You have been inundated with interviews, do you know how many countries have been asking to talk to you?’

Captain Tom responded: ‘No Amanda I don’t. I must say. I am enjoying looking at you. You are such a charming creature this morning.’ 

Later he added a message to his Twitter followers: ‘All those ladies, thank you very much. I’d love to have a quick talk with you, and if you’re looking like Amanda, WOW!

‘I’ll keep walking as long as people subscribe to this fund for the National Health Service.’  

Amanda went on to offer to pop over to make him a cup of tea after lockdown, after which he said: ‘Amanda you’re always welcome. Especially if you’re looking like that!’