The Big Questions: Angellica Bell on representation, Martin Lewis and why she doesn’t think she’s famous-Stella Akinwumi-Entertainment – Metro

Welcome to Metro.co.uk‘s The Big Questions, where we ask, well, the big questions (and the smaller ones too) and this week, we’re diving deep with Angellica Bell.

Angellica has made waves as a TV and radio presenter in a career spanning over 20 years, from her early days fronting CBBC to co-hosting hosting alongside Britain’s man of the moment Martin Lewis.

And if that wasn’t enough, she is also a published author, with a successful children’s book under her belt.

The media personality recently teamed up with Actimel to launch The Actimel Immunity Report, which analysed several different lifestyle factors that directly affect immunity – including diet, physical activity, stress levels, alcohol intake – and self-reported wellness, based on the behaviours of 2,000 people – with the company finding three-quarters (69%) of those involved didn’t think they have strong immunity.

Angellica chatted to Metro.co.uk about everything from her latest collaboration, the importance of representation within the media, and the concept of fame.

What intrigued you to be part of this campaign with Actimel?

I just love people and I always think there are so many good people out there who want to have a good life, and do amazing things in their life and also look after themselves.

Sometimes it’s just about sharing those things and saying, I know I struggle as well with trying to keep fit, trying to stay active and juggling everything. But, hey, we’re all in this together, and these are some of the things I do. And other people say, oh, this is what you do, and take that on board. And with all the partnerships I do, I like to be authentic and organic. 

I’ve always known about looking after your health, the benefits of vitamin D and B6, which Actimel supports, helping support the immune system with those vitamins.

I just have that as part of my daily routine, but then I try to have healthy food now and then. I like my treats, of course, but if we balance it out it makes for a healthy life which you need for yourself.

Angellica is all about balance (Picture: Getty Images Source)

As a full-time presenter, how do you unwind?

I’ve always been busy. I like being busy doing things like seeing my friends. It’s always like, carpe diem, seize the day.

I have to plan, so I have a diary – a paper diary still – so even though I know I’ve got a busy schedule, I’m going to make sure I have a good breakfast in the morning, whether that’s like porridge or berries, especially when I have a late night, I have to think about it in advance. Fitness, like my exercise routines, I write in my diary, so it is part of the day.

Sometimes I’ll get up really early, something I started doing since Covid, was getting up at 5:30/6 to train.

It’s not easy, but then I know how good I feel when I slot it into my routine and it counterbalances the late night or a long problem with filming, or if I’m going to the NTAS so I do have to be disciplined.

It’s balance, balance with food and making sure I get my veg and my vitamins in, and also sleep.

As a presenter, how do you feel about the representation shown over the years?

I think it’s really encouraging. I feel sort of humbled that you see me as someone who’s been part of that evolution.

It’s what I see when I go out into the street. So for now, we’re actually seeing what we know in real life is what’s on screen. I think it’s really encouraging and hopefully, it will just keep going, keep going and soon it won’t be a conversation. It would just be normal.

I think it’s educational, as well, because when you see someone who’s different from you, it’s good to see people who are like you, but when you’re different, it makes you ask questions. 

The presenter also worked on The One Show (Picture: Getty)

Who has inspired you during your career?

Different people, actually. I remember Moira Stuart taking me to one side and saying, just be yourself. She was amazing.

I’ve had people, Alan Titchmarsh going “be you.” Even Nick Knowles would say “you’ve got something special, Angellica, so just go with it.” And I wouldn’t see it. What I always say to people is to block out the noise and be a sponge for positivity.

Do you back Martin Lewis for a permanent role on Good Morning Britain?

What he does is incredible! And we talk behind the scenes, he is working tirelessly to help people. 

When the show used to be out, we’d be recording and people would come up, we would stop recording and be like “Angellica do you mind” and he’d go and talk to those people.

He just wants the best for everyone and he’s got a great heart. I think you have to ask him about what he’s going to do, but I’m just happy. I’m his right-hand girl, whatever he decides to do, he’ll have to get on with that.

Angellica and good friend Martin Lewis worked together on his titular show (Picture: ITV)

Any favourite memories that occurred on-air?

CBBC was great, I loved working with Andrew Hayden-Smith. He’s been great and he’s still one of my closest friends, and we used to laugh a lot.

It was just crazy, just crazy. Oh, there were so many silly things, slipping, falling off chairs, and dressing up all the time.

On The One Show, we were meant to be interviewing David Schwimmer and the trumpets were going and we were like “the line’s gone down, the line’s gone down!” It was crazy, but we got him back in the end.

I remember interviewing George Clooney as well, he was brilliant, got a selfie with him.

What do you think about the concept of fame?

I don’t think I’m famous, I still go to the shops. I’ve got my Oyster card, I get on the bus, I get the train, and I go to the local shop. 

I’m there for people. I talk to them, but I don’t see myself as better than anyone.

I don’t want to feel better than anyone else, there are so many people like doctors, nurses, you know.

All these people that serve…I love these guys because they work hard and enable me to have a good life and to be safe and to be healthy, and I never see myself as more important than that, so I don’t consider myself as famous.

It’s always important to have people who love you genuinely. Because then you don’t feel insecure, so whatever you do, keep those people that make you want to be a better person around you.

Angellica Bell has teamed up with fortified yoghurt drink, Actimel. Click here to find out more about The Actimel Immunity Report.

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