Amanda-Jane Cardy is a talented actress and television personality best known for her captivating role in the hit reality series The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE). With a charismatic presence and a flair for drama, she quickly became a fan favourite, showcasing her vibrant personality and authentic self on screen.
She developed her skills in various productions before entering the reality television spotlight. Beyond her work on TOWIE, she is also recognised as a social media influencer.
Photography By: Ivana Cattafi
TOWIE stands for “The Only Way Is Essex,” a British reality television series that premiered in 2010. The show follows the lives, relationships, and drama of a group of young people living in Essex, England. It combines real-life situations with scripted elements, showcasing the glamorous and sometimes tumultuous lifestyles of its cast members. TOWIE has gained popularity for its unique blend of reality TV and scripted drama, as well as its catchy phrases and distinctive style.
With a keen eye for style, Amanda-Jane continues to inspire her audience on and off the screen. Her dynamic career, from her early days in various productions to her rise as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, reflects her versatility and ambition. Her success and influence in the industry make her a role model for many aspiring performers.
WHISPERS FROM THE PAST
EARLIEST MEMORIES
Amanda-Jane Cardy’s earliest memories are rooted in the vibrant suburb of Seven Hills, Sydney, where she spent her formative years. Raised in a household where both parents had a strong work ethic, she attended St. Anthony’s, a Catholic private school that shaped her early passions. It was here that Amanda-Jane discovered her love for performing. She felt drawn to the spotlight from a young age, eagerly participating in every school play and production. Her innate confidence shone through on stage, and during her first experience of receiving applause, she realised that performing was the path she wanted to pursue for the rest of her life.
AMANDA-JANE CARDY – MALTA
Amanda-Jane has one brother, who is six years her junior and resides in Malta, their parents’ homeland. Hailing from the stunning northern region of Mellieha, her parents often reminisced about the picturesque landscapes of their island home. Both were born and raised there, where they met and eventually married. Their journey took a significant turn following their wedding day when they boldly decided to emigrate to Australia, embarking on a new life together, leaving behind the familiar for the promise of a better future.
ADVENTURE
In 1998, a sense of adventure compelled Amanda-Jane and her best friend Darren to seek change. The small island of Malta, measuring only 14 miles by 7 miles, felt increasingly confining. They pondered their future, torn between Denmark and the UK. Darren’s British heritage provided him with family connections in the UK, while Amanda-Jane’s father’s work with a Danish company opened doors to friendships in Denmark. Their decision to remain in Europe for ease of travel back home reflected their thoughtful approach to life changes, which would later prove wise.
AMANDA-JANE CARDY REFLECTION
Reflecting on her childhood, Amanda-Jane often speaks fondly of her years in Australia. To her, the Aussie lifestyle exemplifies an ideal way of living. With beautiful weather beckoning everyone outdoors, something was always happening—barbecues, social events, and gatherings with family and friends filled her days. Growing up surrounded by a close-knit group of cousins, Amanda-Jane cherishes those moments as some of her most treasured memories, shaping her personality and zest for life. This rich tapestry of experiences laid the foundation for her future endeavours in the arts, infusing her performances with genuine warmth and authenticity.
ROOTS & WINGS
PROMISE
Amanda’s life began with the promise of adventure. Her parents, captivated by the beauty of Malta during a holiday, made a serendipitous purchase of a piece of land. They envisioned a forever home: a stunning villa that would eventually be affectionately known as “Ayers Rock.” Built by her mother’s brothers, who were skilled builders, this villa stood as a testament to their family’s dreams and ambitions.
As Amanda approached her teenage years, the bustling city of Sydney became both a playground and a source of anxiety. It was in this vibrant metropolis that her childhood unfolded, filled with the joys of city life. However, the winds of change were on the horizon, and her parents made the heart-wrenching decision to return to Malta. For Amanda, this was a crushing blow. Leaving behind her idyllic life in Australia for a small island where she struggled with the language was untenable. Growing up, her parents spoke to her in Maltese, and she responded in English. This hybrid communication suited her but didn’t fully prepare her for the challenges ahead.
PODCAST
PACE OF LIFE
The family moved back to Malta, living with Amanda’s grandparents while the final touches on their dream home were completed. In this new environment, Amanda was beset by homesickness, grappling with the stark contrast between the lively cityscape of Sydney and the slower pace of life in Malta. She found herself in a world that felt as if it was frozen in time, where donkeys and carts were still familiar sights. She felt different—her speech, clothing, everything made her an outsider. Yet, with time, she began to adapt.
Once Amanda began high school, she was thrust into the lively world of school productions. A drama teacher visited her class one day, searching for a lead actor. Amanda’s heart raced with excitement despite her self-doubt. The fear of speaking in a language she hadn’t mastered loomed large in her mind, compounded by her unique Aussie accent. In an inspiring moment of courage, she leapt from her seat and, with her distinctive Maltese accent, declared, “I’ll be good at that part!” Her unintentional mix-up of words evoked laughter from her classmates and the teacher alike. To her surprise, the teacher declared, “You’re going to be perfect!”
AMANDA-JANE CARDY – EMBRACING CHANGE
That moment marked a pivotal point in Amanda-Jane Cardy’s life. Though her journey from Sydney to Malta was filled with challenges, it would ultimately shape her into the vibrant, multilingual person she would become. Amanda’s story is one of remarkable adaptability, strength, and the beautiful transformation from embracing change. As she often reflects, the rest truly is history.
She was selected for the leading role every year after that. The annual production was a significant event that her beloved dad never missed. He always sat in the front row, proud as can be, making sure everyone knew that the girl on Stage was his daughter. She loved comedic roles that made the audience laugh out loud, and this passion became a central part of her life, establishing her as the comedian of her group. She eventually studied drama and completed her GCSEs.
Then, like most teenagers, she felt the need to venture into the big world, find a job, and put her drama and acting on hold.
“ There are no regrets in life, just lessons” .
– Jennifer Aniston
AMANDA-JANE CARDY UPCOMING PROJECTS
I’m excited to share that I’m starting to film for a 6-part series called “Outsmarted,” where I’ll play the main villain, Genesis, alongside some well-known actors. I’m also eagerly awaiting the premiere date for “Keep Young and Beautiful,” directed by the talented Neil Marshall and written by the equally gifted Liz Farhadi, featuring the fantastic English actress Eva Hope. While I’m still involved with “Towie,” I’m embarking on what might be my biggest project yet, though I’m keeping details under wraps for now. There are a few other things lined up as well.
TOWIE
Being part of “Towie” for the past 14 series has been a joy. I joined as an IG when the iconic reality show had just won a BAFTA, which was quite a milestone. I started with “Towie” when the original cast members, like Gemma Collins, were still around.
My journey with “Towie” began quite serendipitously. While on holiday in Marbella, I stumbled upon an ad for casting. It turned out that one of the directors was a friend’s husband, and when we recognised each other, it was a funny coincidence. What started as one scene turned into a week of filming with the cast, where I made lifelong friends. After that experience, I knew I wanted to keep pursuing it despite the challenges of travelling to Essex or wherever filming took place. My days were long, starting at 3 a.m. and often ending around the same time the next day, but it was never a burden. I enjoyed getting to know the cast, hanging out, and forming friendships. Over the years, I’ve watched many cast members come and go and built lasting friendships.
EXPERIENCE
I’ve evolved as an actress. In the early days, I was open to any role, seeing it all as experience. Now, I’m more selective about the parts I take on and more aware of how they can showcase my abilities.
I genuinely believe reality TV has its place in our industry. Remembering that the cast members are real people with real feelings is crucial. The situations depicted often reflect their actual lives, and they must relive these experiences in front of an audience. It’s a good opportunity to remind viewers to stay kind, especially on social media. Actors often see a flood of comments, and while they might receive a hundred positive ones, it’s usually the negative ones that stick with them. Remember, just because you see someone for an hour on your screen once a week doesn’t mean you know them.
