Television presenter Angellica Bell delighted her social media followers with a series of sun-drenched photographs from her holiday in Saint Lucia, showcasing her impressive physique in a vibrant multi-print bikini.
A Paradise Homecoming
The Celebrity MasterChef star, 49, took a break from the UK's gloomy weather, enjoying a sunshine-filled cruise through the Caribbean. She shared her joy with her 102,000 Instagram followers, explaining that the trip marked an emotional return to Saint Lucia after nearly two decades away.
She wrote passionately about her connection to the island, stating: 'St Lucia oh how I've missed you! It's been almost 20 years since I've been back to the country of my heritage.' Bell described the iconic twin peaks of Les Pitons as 'incredible' and called the island 'the epitome of paradise.'
Her family roots in Castries and Soufriere made the brief visit, which was a key reason for her choosing the cruise, particularly meaningful. She expressed a desire to return for a longer, proper visit with her family.
From Body Insecurities to Beach Confidence
These stunning holiday snaps follow a remarkably candid revelation from Bell about her early career struggles with body image. On the Spent podcast, in association with Nationwide, the presenter admitted to once feeling 'compelled to look smaller on TV.'
Reflecting on her younger self, she said, 'I was a little fat chubby child with national health glasses, so I wasn't anything special to look at.' This self-perception led her to make what she now calls a 'ridiculous purchase'.
The 'Six-Pack' Machine Con
In an effort to change her physique, Angellica invested in a machine that promised a six-pack through electrical pulses designed to contract abdominal muscles. 'They're saying the idea is that it helps you, because all these things give you a little electric shot so your muscles are sort of tensing up,' she recalled.
However, the machine failed to deliver on its promises. When asked by host Matt Edmondson how consistently she used it, she confessed, 'No. I used it for a bit and nothing was happening.' She now recognises the device was a con, acknowledging that true fitness requires proper diet and exercise, something she humorously admitted she wasn't fully prepared for, citing a love for ice cream and cake.
Her journey from a CBBC presenter, where she hosted shows like Xchange and 50/50, to a confident woman proudly posting bikini pictures in her late 40s, highlights a significant personal transformation. From a paper round and a job at McDonald's to a celebrated television career, Bell's story is one of success, self-acceptance, and learning to embrace her natural curves.