ITV bosses have responded to claims Angellica Bell was asked to leave the Martin Lewis Money Show Live 'without warning' after bagging a gig at another channel.
Former kids TV presenter Angellica has worked on the BAFTA-nominated finance show since 2017, and signed up to present the rebranded version of The Gadget Show – Shop Smart, Save Money. But, when it was reported that the move presented a 'conflict of interest, due to it becoming another consumer money programme, Angellica was swiftly axed from the ITV show.
A source close to the show said: "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.
Angellica guest presents The One Show and won Celebrity Masterchef in 2017 (BBC)"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."
The source told The Sun that due to the rebranding of the show, there were concerns about "editorial contradictions", although the decision was out of Angellica's hands. They added that her colleagues felt she should have at least been given a choice as to which show she wanted to go ahead with.
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But ITV reps have responded to the claims, telling the paper in a statement: "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."
After mum-of-two Angellica left the Martin Lewis Money Show Live, she was replaced by former Olympian and broadcaster Jeanette Kwakye. She continues to guest present on The One Show and was previously crowned winner of Celebrity Masterchef, on which she was a contestant in 2017.
Angellica has worked on the Martin Lewis Money Show Live since 2017 (Dave Hogan/Hogan Media/REX/Shutterstock)Meanwhile, Channel 5 announced The Gadget Show was no more in September after nearly 20 years on air and 37 series. It is being replaced by a money-saving show, which will be hosted by former Gadget Show's Ortis Deley, Georgie Barrat and Jon Bentley – and now Angellica Bell.
A statement from Channel 5 read: "We understand that change can sometimes be met with mixed reactions, and we appreciate the feedback we have received from our viewers. The decision to transition to The Good Gadget Guide: Shop Smart, Save Money was made to appeal to the broadest possible audience while providing valuable insights and recommendations in the realm of technology. The world of gadgets is constantly evolving, and we want to ensure that our content remains relevant and valuable to a broad range of viewers."
The statement added: "Our goal is to strike a balance that appeals to a diverse audience while staying true to our commitment of providing valuable and engaging content in the world of technology."
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