The Martin Lewis Money Show star Angellica Bell was ‘sacked’ from her role on the show, it was reported late last year.
The 48-year-old TV presenter, who appears on Celebrity MasterChef tonight (August 30), had co-hosted alongside Martin Lewis on the ITV finance and consumer affairs programme since 2017.
And during her six series stint on the programme, it came in for a BAFTA nomination.
But before Angellica came on board, her role was carried out by Saira Khan. Now, retired sprinter and broadcaster Jeanette Kwakye occupies the slot.
Here’s what’s gone down since Angellica’s departure was first reported on.
‘Everyone is stunned’
According to The Sun, Angellica was dismissed “with no warning”. Furthermore, it was claimed at the time that she had planned to continue in the position.
And it seems others that work on the show may not have expected what went down, either.
A programme source was quoted as saying: “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. 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.”
Additionally, it was reported Angellica’s appearance on a Channel 5 show may have had some bearing on what happened.
The source added: “Bosses say due to The Gadget Show’s rebranding as Shop Smart, Save Money concerns about editorial contradictions were raised, but in reality the decision had nothing to do with Angellica. Many staff feel at the very least bosses could have given her warning or an option as to which show she wanted to continue with.”
‘Not offered a new contract’
However, another show insider was said to have said Angellica’s Channel 5 role “meant she would not be offered a new contract” on the ITV show.
They added production staff on The Martin Lewis Money Show Live were not aware of the Channel 5 programme’s new name. But when that was confirmed in late September, it was said filming for it involving Angellica had already begun.
However, when the show returned to Channel 5 in February this year, Angellica was nowhere to be seen.
Martin Lewis and Angellica Bell on social media
Following the reports about Angellica leaving, both her and Martin remained active on social media.
Fans have also expressed their support for Angellica in the comments sections of Instagram posts.
“Come back to the Martin Lewis Money Show – you are missed,” one fan among many told her.
Come back to the Martin Lewis Money Show – you are missed.
However, amid the big change to the show they fronted together, Martin has not addressed her moving on in public.
And Angellica’s response has also been very low-key.
View this post on Instagram
‘Missed you on Martin Lewis’
It came as Angellica acknowledged an appreciative fan remark left on an Instagram post she uploaded in November last year.
“Missed you on Martin Lewis,” they wrote.
Angellica’s subtle response saw her react with a tearful emoji and three kisses.
Other users soon replied to Angellica in the same thread of comments, with one person asking if she would be “going back”.
But Angellica did not react any further.
ITV on ‘amicable relationship’ with Angellica
ITV has responded to reports about Angellica’s departure by saying: “Angellica is not working on the Martin Lewis Money Show Live. However, the relationship with her remains amicable and we are working with her on other forthcoming programmes.”
Angellica has also popped up on Lorraine a few days after her exit news.
Angellica, who is also a Magic Radio host, appeared on the ITV morning programme to chat about a breast cancer charity song featuring Joss Stone.
Catch Angellica on Celebrity MasterChef tonight (August 30) at 9pm on BBC One.
Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.