‘CBBC was an out-of-body experience'

Angellica Bell reflects on two incredible decades as a TV presenter, the highs and lows of lockdown and her surprising Plan B career

- KIRSTY NUTKINS

Like most of us, Angellica Bell has found the events of the past year challenging – not least because she’s a people person. When we meet her, she’s as talkative and bubbly as she appears on TV and admits she struggled with the isolation.

“It was tricky. I love being around people and my friends mean so much to me,” says the 45-year-old, who was once the face of CBBC and is now best known for co-presenting The Martin Lewis Money Show and The One Show. “But it was also a good opportunity to take some time out. I kept myself sane by vacuuming and baking!”

In-demand Angellica also occupied herself with a host of work projects. She’s fronted a new podcast called Rewirement, sharing tips, inspiration and stories from people enjoying colourful retirements, and has started presenting two-weekend shows on Scala Radio.

She also helped voice a series of audiobooks to entertain kids on long car journeys, Churchill’s Little Chapters Of Chill, alongside Emma Willis and Giovanna Fletcher.

In between, she’s been juggling her busy home life. She’s mum to two young children, Elijah and Keziah, with her husband Michael Underwood, a former kids’ TV presenter who returned to teaching a few years ago.

Here, Angellica reflects on life during the pandemic, her proudest career moments and why motherhood has completely changed her life…

Hi, Angellica. You’ve had a fantastic career in TV. Are you proud of it?