Martin Lewis stated that he was on the verge of abandoning Money Saving Expert 20 years ago.
Throughout his outstanding career, the 50-year-old financial presenter has been a frequent feature on ITV shows such as This Morning and Good Morning Britain, where he answers vital concerns like energy bills, moving bank accounts, and conserving in the midst of the increasing cost of living problem.
Martin, who is celebrating 20 years on the ITV daytime programme, admitted to hosts Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby that he had reservations about his money-saving venture.
‘Before I came along money journalism was about investment, and it was a bit “wooo” if you talk mortgages, never mind gas and electricity bills.’ he told hosts Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.
Reflecting on his personal journey he added: ‘I’m about playing the system and beating the system. I developed it [Money Saving Expert] on this simply money channel that nobody watched and that’s where I learned my trade… that went bust.
‘I had a column in the Sunday Express, I did some stuff on Channel 5 – that show was stopped. I had lunch with my dad and I said “I’m not sure this’ll work. I keep going to people and they say money doesn’t work on television.”‘


He continued: ‘I said to my dad “I’m gonna give it two months more and then I’m going to have to quit because I’m really struggling.”‘
Thank fortunate he didn’t give up because look at him today!
Martin, who presently co-hosts his own programme with Angellica Bell, has been well commended for providing excellent advice as home bills have increased.
He won the TV expert award at the National Television Awards in October 2022.
‘It’s been a fairly terrible year financially,’ he stated as he accepted the award. I mean, the energy crisis has been awful, leaving many people in dreadful situations and with mental health difficulties.
‘I’m worried the following year will be fairly tough with the mortgage situation and the knock-on effect to rent. And guess what? We need someone to take control of the economy and bring things back to normal.’
Martin was granted a CBE – Commander of the Order of the British Empire – in the late Queen Elizabeth II’s last New Year’s Honours in early 2022.
In January, he told the PA News Agency that he was ‘gobsmacked’ to be named CBE, and that he almost missed out when Buckingham Palace sent his nomination to an outdated address.
‘I was genuinely very surprised. I knew some people had nominated me but it was way past the time when you’re supposed to receive a letter,’ he said.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.