Today : Apr 23, 2025
Arts & Culture
23 April 2025

Angellica Bell Breaks Down Over Martin Lewis Show Exit

The presenter reflects on her emotional journey during Celebrity Big Brother after being axed from the ITV show.

Angellica Bell, the beloved television presenter, broke down in tears while reflecting on her emotional exit from The Martin Lewis Money Show during her time on Celebrity Big Brother. In a heartfelt moment captured in the Diary Room on April 22, 2025, Bell opened up about her struggles and the impact of her departure from the show that had been a significant part of her life for six years.

During the episode, Bell was asked by Big Brother whether she enjoyed 'banging the pots and pans in the morning,' a task that had annoyed fellow housemate Donna Preston. With a hint of humor, Bell admitted that it felt "so good" to have "vexed" Preston, but the conversation quickly turned serious. "I'm going to be honest with you, I didn't think I'd get this far. I'm still pinching myself that I'm here," she shared, her voice trembling with emotion.

As Big Brother reassured her, saying, "Big Brother thinks you're a great housemate," Bell became overwhelmed, tears streaming down her face as she confessed, "I'm not very good at compliments." She expressed her gratitude for the support she received from fans and fellow celebrities, stating, "I was so grateful to all of the audience who messaged me about it, also to other celebrities who contacted me and stuff because those messages are what got me through."

Bell, who is 49, reflected on her time in the house, saying, "I've loved every minute, it's probably the best thing I've done in a long time. Before I came in here, I was a little bit scared. The press were asking me if I would talk about the Martin Lewis show and stuff, it took me a long time to get over that." She emphasized that her appearance on Celebrity Big Brother was a crucial step in rediscovering herself after a challenging period.

In 2023, Bell was abruptly dropped from The Martin Lewis Money Show, a program she had co-hosted since 2017. She was informed that her role was no longer required and was swiftly replaced by Jeanette Kwakye, a former Olympian turned broadcaster. The news of her exit came as a shock to both her and the show's audience, with many left wondering what had happened.

Reports at the time suggested that a "conflict of interest" was at play. Bell had signed on to host Channel 5's The Gadget Show, which had been rebranded as Shop Smart, Save Money. Insiders revealed that the production team at The Martin Lewis Money Show was not informed about the rebranding until it was publicly announced, leading to confusion and frustration among staff.

A source close to the show stated, "Angellica was a valued part of the team having joined in series seven, but, given the importance of maintaining a clear, individual and distinct identity for the show, it was felt that her new role meant she would not be offered a new contract to continue on The Martin Lewis Money Show Live." The abruptness of her removal left many colleagues stunned, with some feeling that Bell deserved more communication regarding her departure.

Despite the circumstances surrounding her exit, Bell expressed a desire to reconnect with her true self through her participation in Celebrity Big Brother. "That's why I wanted to come onto this show and tap into my old self because it's taken me a long time," she said, emphasizing the importance of the support she received from her fans.

As the episode progressed, Bell became the fourth housemate to leave the show during a dramatic eviction night, known as Triple Tuesday, where she was followed by fellow contestants Ella Rae Wise and Patsy Palmer. Over a million viewers voted, showcasing the public's continued interest in the reality show.

Exiting the house, Bell expressed her feelings of amazement and joy as she was greeted by cheers from the audience. "You know what, I think I found myself again being here," she stated, reflecting on her journey. Bell's emotional journey throughout the season revealed the depths of her experiences and the challenges she faced following her departure from a show that had been a significant part of her life.

As she moves forward, Angellica Bell remains a prominent figure in the television industry, with her career spanning over 25 years in children's and daytime TV. The support she has garnered from her fans and peers alike will undoubtedly play a crucial role in her continued success.