Angellica Bell has officially moved into the Celebrity Big Brother house, marking a significant new chapter in her career. The beloved television presenter, who has been a familiar face on British screens for decades, reportedly secured a lucrative five-figure deal to participate in the popular ITV reality series. This comes on the heels of her unexpected exit from The Martin Lewis Money Show, leaving fans curious about the circumstances surrounding her departure.
At 49 years old, Bell is not just a television personality; she is also a devoted mother and wife, living a relatively quiet life with her husband, fellow presenter Michael Underwood, and their two children in Kingston-Upon-Thames, South West London. Despite her successful career, with an estimated net worth of around £1 million, Bell's journey has not been without its challenges.
Born in West London, Ealing, Angellica's story began when her parents immigrated from St Lucia to the UK. However, her childhood was marked by her parents' separation, which led her to live 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 recalled in an interview. Later, her mother found stability and moved into a Housing Association flat, allowing Angellica to reunite with her family while still maintaining a close bond with her grandmother.
Before stepping into the limelight, Bell worked various jobs, including a paper round and shifts at McDonald's. Her television career took off in the late 1990s when she became a roaming reporter on Channel 4's The Big Breakfast. In 2002, she transitioned to CBBC, where she became a household name by hosting shows like Xchange, 50/50, and That's Genius! After four years, she took on a new role in The Great British Village Show, further solidifying her status in the industry.
In addition to her work on CBBC, Angellica has appeared on numerous other programs, including The One Show, Sport Relief, and Born To Shine. Her culinary skills also earned her the title of winner on Celebrity MasterChef, showcasing her versatility beyond presenting.
However, not all news surrounding Bell has been positive. Recently, she was removed from The Martin Lewis Money Show due to a conflict of interest related to her role in Shop Smart, Save Money. This unexpected decision shocked fans and colleagues alike. A source revealed, "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." ITV confirmed that while Bell would not be appearing on the show, her relationship with the network remained amicable, and they were collaborating on future projects.
As she enters the Celebrity Big Brother house, friends have expressed concern over Bell's tendency to be chatty and friendly, fearing she might inadvertently spill secrets about her famous acquaintances. A source shared, "Angellica has been warned not to 'do a Louis Walsh' and talk about her high-profile pals. She's best friends with Alan Carr, who is famously close to Adele, so she knows a lot of juicy gossip from mixing in celebrity circles for years." Given the nature of the show, where privacy is often nonexistent, these concerns are not unfounded.
Angellica's friendship with Alan Carr has been well documented, and their bond has led to many memorable moments, including attending one of Adele's concerts together. Adele, who has a close relationship with Carr, even officiated his wedding, a testament to the strong ties within this celebrity circle.
As for the Celebrity Big Brother lineup, Bell is joining a diverse group of personalities, including Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke, influencer JoJo Siwa, and Olympic athlete Daley Thompson. The show promises to be filled with drama and excitement, and Bell's presence is sure to add to the entertainment factor.
Michael Underwood, Bell's husband, has chosen a different path, transitioning from television to teaching after the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the entertainment industry. While he was once a prominent figure on CBBC, known for hosting popular shows like Jungle Run and Ministry of Mayhem, he now finds fulfillment in education, away from the public eye.
Married in a spontaneous ceremony in New York City in 2010, Bell and Underwood's relationship blossomed from their time working together at CBBC. This second marriage came two years after Bell's first marriage to Stuart Amory ended in divorce. Now, the couple shares two children and continues to support each other in their respective careers.
With Celebrity Big Brother airing on ITV1 and ITVX from Sunday to Thursday at 9 pm, fans are eager to see how Angellica Bell navigates life in the house. Will she share behind-the-scenes stories from her years in television? Or will she manage to keep the secrets of her famous friends safe? One thing's for sure: viewers are in for a treat as the drama unfolds.
As Angellica embarks on this new adventure, her fans remain hopeful that she will shine brightly and bring her unique charm and personality to the show. With a career spanning over two decades and a life full of rich experiences, Bell is poised to captivate audiences once again.
