THE Martin Lewis Money Show has been accused of covering up the shock exit of Angellica Bell from the BAFTA-nominated series – after secretly dismissing the star with "next to no warning".
The Sun can reveal that the former CBBC presenter was all set to return to film series 13 of the hit show last month, only to be unceremoniously ditched by uptight bosses.
A couple of days before filming Angellica Bell was told she would no longer be needed on the programme.
Producers claimed her decision to appear on Channel 5's The Gadget Show – freshly rebranded as Shop Smart, Save Money – represented a conflict of interest.
However, insiders insist to The Sun bosses were aware of Angellica's decision to take part in the show, including name changes of the rival programme, throughout the whole process.
Rather than announce her exit via a statement, the programme are yet to reference the shake-up.
Angellica has been on the show since 2017 and helped the programme receive a nomination for a TV BAFTA.
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.
"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.
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"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."
A show insider added: “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.“
It's thought while Angellica's relationship with The Martin Lewis Show is now "strained" her relationship with ITV still remains strong.
Officially no parties involved have commented on Angellica's exit, which has only added fuel to the online fire with fans taking to social media to question her absence.
One fan wrote: "Where's @angellicabell? Bring her back!"
Another added: "Wasn't the same without @angellicabell."
A third chimed in: "So sad to see that you've left the Martin Lewis Show. Thanks for all your hard work, you will be missed."
A fourth baffled viewer wrote: "Strange nothing was mentioned on the show."
"@angellicabell why aren't you on the new series of @itvMLshow?" another asked.
Angellica has been replaced by former Olympian Jeanette Kwakye.
In a statement at the time, Martin said: "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.
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"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.”
Reps for ITV, Martin Lewis and Angellica Bell have been contacted for comment.
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