Gogglebox star Sandra Martin has defended taking multiple lavish holidays while claiming Universal Credit, saying the trips are paid for by fans. The 62-year-old, who lives in temporary accommodation and describes herself as 'broke', has enjoyed five holidays since Christmas and is preparing for a sixth trip to Malta.
Speaking to The Sun, Martin revealed that fans of the Channel 4 show fund her trips to destinations including Amsterdam, Portugal and Benidorm. 'I get a lot of hate for it because I'm always on planes but people gift these trips to me,' she said. 'It's a miracle really, they must have spent thousands of pounds on me.'
Martin, who has not worked for two years due to ill health, claimed her fame prevents her from taking a normal job. 'If I got a job in Tesco the queue would be out of the door due to my fans, they wouldn't be able to cope,' she said. She added that she is 'booked up until next year' with holidays and events.
The star appeared on Gogglebox from 2013 to 2017 with friend Sandi Bogle, before leaving for other opportunities including Celebrity Big Brother. She later appeared with her daughter Chanchez but quit in 2018, citing discomfort discussing sex on screen and backlash over Sandi's absence.
Despite her financial situation, Martin said she remains positive: 'I've gone from Brixton to the Baftas to benefits and now I'm broke but at least I'm happy and busy even though I'm technically homeless, have no money or anything.'
