Angellica Bell, the beloved CBBC presenter, has officially entered the Celebrity Big Brother house, making a significant splash in the reality TV arena. The 49-year-old star reportedly secured a lucrative five-figure deal for her participation in the ITV series, which has sparked considerable interest among fans eager to learn more about her recent departure from The Martin Lewis Show.
Bell's exit from the show was abrupt, leaving many questions unanswered. Viewers are now hoping she will shed light on the circumstances surrounding her departure during her time in the Big Brother house. Known for her engaging personality and candid nature, Angellica is expected to bring her trademark authenticity to the reality show.
Outside the spotlight, Angellica leads a quiet life in Kingston-Upon-Thames, South West London, with her husband, fellow TV presenter Michael Underwood, and their two children. Despite her successful television career, with an estimated net worth of around £1 million, Angellica's journey to stardom was not without its challenges.
Born in Ealing, West London, Angellica's early life was marked by her parents' migration from St Lucia to the UK. However, her parents separated during her childhood, leading her to move in with her grandmother. "When my mum and dad split up, I moved in with my grandmother and I slept on a small single bed in her room. We were very close," she shared in an interview with The Home Page.
After some time, her mother secured a Housing Association flat, and Angellica moved in with her mother and sister. Despite the modest living conditions, she frequently visited her grandmother, who lived just across the street. Demonstrating a strong work ethic from a young age, Angellica began her career with a newspaper delivery round and later worked at McDonald's before making her mark in television.
Angellica's television career began in the late 90s as a flying reporter for Channel 4's Big Breakfast. In 2002, she transitioned to CBBC, where she hosted popular shows such as Xchange, 50/50, and That's Genius! Her success on CBBC led to further opportunities, including hosting roles on The Great British Village Show, The One Show, Sport Relief, Born To Shine, and The Zone. She also gained recognition as the winner of Celebrity MasterChef.
However, her recent tenure on The Martin Lewis Money Show came to an unexpected end. Angellica was dropped from the show due to a conflict of interest stemming from her involvement with Shop Smart, Save Money. This decision, revealed just days before her scheduled appearance, left many fans and colleagues stunned. "Everyone is stunned by the move - no one saw it coming. Angellica has been an integral part of the show since 2017, so for her to be bumped off air with no warning is crazy," a source disclosed to The Sun.
Insiders have noted an atmosphere of discomfort among the show's staff, who feel the decision was unfair. "Staff have naturally been talking and find the whole thing really awkward and unfair, but Martin is trying to keep out of it as it wasn't up to him," one insider remarked. ITV later explained that while Angellica would not be appearing on The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, their relationship remained amicable, with ongoing collaborations planned.
On a personal note, Angellica's marriage to Michael Underwood is another significant aspect of her life. The couple met while working together at CBBC and tied the knot in a private ceremony in New York in 2010. Originally, they had planned a larger wedding in Tuscany but opted for an intimate elopement instead. Michael, also 49, is well-known for his work on CBBC, having presented shows like Jungle Run, The Big Bang, and Ministry of Mayhem. Together, they have two children: a son named Elijah, born in December 2011, and a daughter named Keziah, born in June 2013.
While they prefer to keep their family life private, Angellica has spoken about the challenges of parenting. In an interview with Mother&Baby, she shared, “Michael and I always make sure one of us is with the children if we are working – we don’t have any help and like to be with them.” She emphasized the importance of being present for their children, even adjusting her gym schedule to ensure she can be with them.
Following the Covid-19 pandemic, Michael transitioned from television to teaching after struggling to find work. "It's been amazing. It was hard at first because he really wanted to do TV and had no control over that. But he loves it now. His students are like his extended children," Angellica explained.
As Angellica embarks on her new journey in the Celebrity Big Brother house, fans are eagerly anticipating what she will share about her life, career, and the events leading up to her departure from The Martin Lewis Show. Celebrity Big Brother airs Sunday to Thursday on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player at 9 pm, promising viewers a captivating glimpse into the life of this talented presenter.
