Angellica Bell 48, has been working in television and radio for almost 25 years, writes Margaret Hussey. Her career started as a presenter on CBBC in 2000, where she stayed for six years.
She is a regular presenter on The One Show, was a co-presenter on The Martin Lewis Money Show on ITV from 2017 to 2023 and in 2017 won the BBC’s Celebrity MasterChef.
She lives in south-west London with her husband, the former television presenter and now primary school teacher Michael Underwood, 49, and their two children.
What did your parents teach you about money?
It was always about making the best of what we had. They taught me if I didn’t work hard and use my time wisely, I wouldn’t benefit. I grew up in west London surrounded by family who taught me a good work ethic.
I remember my grandmother needing 50p for the electric meter and making whatever food we had go further. My grandad in Sheffield would always say to me: ‘The best bargain is the one left on the shelf.’ My other grandad, a policeman from the Caribbean, would say: ‘Money doesn’t grow on trees.’
They taught me to value what you have and to realise that, to some extent, you can control the end result.
Focus: Angellica with her trophy after winning BBC’s Celebrity MasterChef in 2017
What was your first pay packet?
When I was 12, I delivered the local free paper, The Ealing Leader. I remember shaking the brown envelope with my name on it – and hearing the jiggle of the money. I got £11 a week. I felt fulfilled and rewarded. That was the start of my work journey.
I also worked at McDonald’s on a Saturday while still at school. I loved the camaraderie, hearing people’s stories. I gained loads of life skills, communicating with customers, giving the correct change and caring about the product.
Have you ever struggled to make ends meet?
I studied politics at Bristol University and, as a student, it was difficult getting to the end of term when the money was running out. I remember making pasta with baked beans. I’ve always been a glass half-full person, even when times were tight. I would work in the holidays to top up my student loan. I won a place for a law conversion after uni, but I had already landed the CBBC role.
Are you a spender or a saver?
A saver. I’ve never been frivolous. With my first month’s pay from CBBC, I wanted to buy myself something that reflected that moment. I bought a pair of gorgeous high-heeled green Vivienne Westwood shoes for £150.
She was iconic, and in London, I would go past her shop and think, ‘One day, I’ll get something from there’. I used to wear them on CBBC, but never say where they were from. I’ve still got those shoes. To me, that’s value.
Have you ever been paid silly money?
I’ve never had a pay cheque for an insane amount, where I’ve thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I don’t have to get out of bed now’. But I have been offered silly money for a job at the other end of the scale. I didn’t do those jobs. It’s about knowing your worth.
The best year of your financial life?
In 2002 when I bought my first property, a little terraced house in Ham, south-west London, for £250,000.
I had to save every penny for my deposit. Earlier, when I first got my job at CBBC, I moved in with a lady who was renting out rooms for £50 a week, all-inclusive. She gave me the means to further myself. All I had to do was spend money on my train ticket to Television Centre, and within a couple of years, I was able to save my deposit. I remember that euphoria when I was handed the keys.
The most expensive thing you have bought for fun?
A Sub Zero & Wolf oven for about £10,000. It was in 2018, just after I won MasterChef. I had saved a small inheritance from a relative, so by the time I used it, it had doubled. Food brings people together. It wasn’t just about me; it was about sharing. I love socialising, cooking, and for people to feel my home is their home, so for me, that was such an investment that has paid off.
What has been your biggest money mistake?
It was more a missed opportunity. I remember when ITV share prices went down to 17p. At the time, a friend said I should buy some, and I didn’t. Then they went up to 90p.
I think with anything like that, you have got to be in a position where you can afford to lose money to risk. Working on The Money Show, I learnt a lot. It was amazing. I think through my career working on consumer shows, the generosity of people sharing their stories has helped.
People who watched the show would come up to me and talk about what they had done. I also did a podcast, The NatWest Business Show, about personal investing and people using their money to grow.
Good advice: Angellica’s grandparents taught her to value what you have
There is so much information out there, sometimes you need someone else to dissect it. Everyone wants their money to work for them.
Best money decision you have made?
Getting on the property ladder. I was the first person in my family to buy my own house. I really researched it – everything from freehold to leasehold, areas in London and resale.
Do you give to charity?
As much as I can, whether it’s bags of clothes, physical time or when I see something on TV that moves me. I try to do my bit; you never know which charity you might need help from some day.
Do you have a pension?
Yes – I’m always thinking of the future.
Do you own any property?
I’m blessed to own an old Victorian house which we are doing up. We’ve stopped to save up for the next part, the kitchen.
My husband Michael and I look at the finances and have a family council – every family is navigating and compromising and we are the same.
His job as a teacher is just as important as mine. His hours are long, even with school holidays. I’m not going to make him compromise his job, because he is carving out a career. It’s about sacrifice. Sometimes I can’t do things because he has his children to teach.
If you were Chancellor, what would you do?
It’s a tough job. If the opportunity to be Chancellor came to me, I would think very carefully before taking it.
What is your number one financial priority?
To pay the bills. To make sure that I can always provide and always put food on the table.
- Catch Angellica on Radio 2 Late Night Show, from Monday to Thursday, 10pm to midnight.
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