Martin Lewis has been awarded a special BAFTA for his outstanding contribution to television, but the money-saving expert has admitted he does not know how much longer he can continue in his high-pressure role. Speaking at a press conference, the 53-year-old revealed that the constant responsibility of providing accurate financial advice feels akin to training like an Olympic athlete.
BAFTA Recognition for Consumer Champion
The BAFTA Special Award, presented annually to an individual or organisation that has made an exceptional impact on television, honours Lewis for his lasting influence on British consumers and public life. BAFTA described him as "a broadcast journalist and campaigner who has fundamentally changed the way the nation thinks about money." Through his website MoneySavingExpert.com, launched 26 years ago, his ITV series The Martin Lewis Money Show, and regular appearances on Good Morning Britain and This Morning, he has empowered millions to take control of their finances.
No Political Ambitions
When asked about a potential career in politics, Lewis was emphatic: "No official parties have asked. Over the years there have been new parties setting up and they come and say 'listen we're looking for a party leader' and I tend to say 'I would prefer to wire my nipples to electrodes - not in a pleasant way - than go into politics. I'm not sure I could be any clearer!" He explained that his ability to criticise or commend any government impartially is key to retaining public trust.
The Toll of Constant Vigilance
Lewis confessed that the mental strain of always being correct is immense. "I'm not going to do this forever, because I'm not immortal. I don't know how much longer I can keep doing it in the way I do it. My co-presenter, the brilliant Jeanette Kwakye, is a former Olympic athlete and what I do, talking about product and having to know a lot of current rates, is like being an athlete and constantly training to keep that in your head." He added that taking a holiday requires three weeks to get back in shape, and he may eventually step away from live phone-ins.
Future Plans
Despite the pressures, Lewis is not planning an immediate exit. He hopes to explore other TV formats, such as game shows and quizzes, but remains cautious: "If we could ever find the right vehicle, I love gameshows and quizzes, all that type of stuff. But what I do is so important. By luck and fortune I'm in a role that, if I went I don't think there is anyone who could replicate it, not for a few years anyway. So I have to be very careful to find things that are the right fit."
