The Martin Lewis Money Show has reportedly dismissed star Angellica Bell from the series with ‘next to no warning’.
The presenter, 47, has been a co-presenter on the show alongside Martin Lewis since 2017, but when the show returned for series 13 last month, she was missing.
The co-presenter slot has now been taken over by former Olympian Jeanette Kwakye.
It has now been alleged that Angellica was set to return to the show, but was unceremoniously let go from the programme days before filming began.
The Sun reports that producers claimed the axing was due to Angellica appearing on rival Channel 5’s The Gadget Show, which has been rebranded to Shop Smart, Save Money, saying it was a conflict of interest.
Shocking claims: The Martin Lewis Money Show has reportedly dismissed star Angellica Bell from the series with ‘next to no warning’
Absent: The presenter, 47, has been a co-presenter on the show alongside Martin Lewis since 2017, but when the show returned for series 13 last month, she was missing
Replacement: The co-presenter slot has now been taken over by former Olympian Jeanette Kwakye (pictured last month)
However, insiders told the publication: ‘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.
‘Bosses say due to The Gadget Show’s rebranding as Shop Smart, Save Money it’s a clash of interest 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.’
MailOnline has contacted representatives for ITV for comment. Representatives for Angellica Bell declined to comment when approached.
The show has not addressed Angellica’s absence, causing viewers to be baffled by the unexplained presenter shake-up.
When Jeanette was brought onto the show, Martin released a statement saying: ‘Jeanette is set to be a brilliant addition to the show. This is such an important series, as we’re far from out of the cost of living crisis – energy bills are set to be bigger this winter than the last horrific one, car insurance renewals are up over 60%, interest rates have rocketed.
‘I need a great presenter with me in the studio to keep me in order and on track, so I can get as much information out in the hour, so who better to join the show than a former Olympic sprinter with her fast feet on the ground.’
However, fans were confused and demanded ITV brought Angellica back saying the show isn’t the same without her and that Jeanette was a ‘poor substitute’.
Axed: It has now been alleged that Angellica was set to return to the show, but was unceremoniously let go from the programme days before filming began (pictured last November)
Clash: The Sun reports that producers claimed the axing was due to Angellica appearing on rival Channel 5 ‘s The Gadget Show, which has been rebranded to Shop Smart, Save Money, saying it was a conflict of interest (Martin and Angellica pictured in June)
Wanting answers: The show has not addressed Angellica’s absence, causing viewers to be baffled by the unexplained presenter shake-up (Martin pictured on show)
One person asked: ‘@angellicabell why aren’t you on the new series of @itvMLshow?’ while another echoed: ‘Where’s @angellicabell?? Bring her back!!’
A third tweeted: ‘@angellicabell Where’s the lovely Angellica on Martin Lewis Show? Your Deputy was OK…but not you ! I hope there is a genuine reason for leaving the show.’
Someone else agreed, writing: ‘@angellicabell really missing you on MLMS hope the new AB is just a temporary thing? Poor substitute in my opinion’.
A fifth commented: ‘Wasn’t the same without @angellicabell’ while a sixth added: ‘Great show but missed @angellicabell!’
Another viewer said: ‘Strange nothing was mentioned on the show…’ while an eighth theorised: ‘@angellicabell have you two fallen out?’
And one fan lamented: ‘So sad to see that you’ve left the Martin Lewis show. Thanks for all your hard work, you will be missed. I know you’ve have a lot of other offer so good luck with everything Jelly.’
Another source told The Sun: ‘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 Martin Lewis Money Show Live production team did not become aware that Angelica’s new show would be called Shop Smart, Save Money until that programme was announced to the media in late September, with filming for it involving Angelllica having already started prior to that.
‘An amicable discussion was held with her regarding the situation.’
Not impressed: However, fans were confused and demanded ITV brought Angellica back saying the show isn’t the same without her and that Jeanette was a ‘poor substitute’
