Martin Lewis became visibly emotional as he reflected on his childhood while receiving a BAFTA special award for his contributions to television. The 54-year-old financial journalist and broadcaster, known as the founder of Money Saving Expert, was honored for his dedication to helping the nation rethink its approach to personal finance.
A Heartfelt Speech at the Royal Festival Hall
Presented with the prize by Richard Osman at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday night, Lewis delivered a poignant speech that moved the audience. He began with a lighthearted joke, describing his ITV show, the Martin Lewis Money Show, which he has hosted since 2012, as 'basically a PowerPoint presentation with a Q&A after.'
He added: 'TV doesn't have to be format-driven. People will embrace something actionable, something real, something that helps. They will even embrace complexity, if we make it worth it.'
Emotional Connection to His Mother's Death
Growing emotional, Lewis revealed that he had written the speech on Thursday, exactly 42 years after his mother's sudden death, just days before his 12th birthday. He shared: 'For six years, barring school, I barely left the house. Now I'm picking up a BAFTA. For all those of you out there struggling with your own demons, know this: life can be transformed, it can get better.'
He continued: 'If you had told that broken, scared boy that I'd proudly be a campaigning journalist, his jaw would have dropped. So I dedicate this to consumer journalism, where I found my fire.'
Plea to the Chancellor
Lewis also used his platform to address Chancellor Rachel Reeves, criticizing the 'morally wrong' freezing of the repayment threshold for Plan 2 student loans, which is due next year. He urged: 'Chancellor, please.' He emphasized the importance of holding power to account with trust and impartiality, especially in today's fractured world.
Thanking His Supporters
He concluded his speech by thanking his viewers, who 'don't just watch, but act and save a shedload,' and acknowledged that his audience is 'what keeps me doing this.' He also expressed gratitude to his wife of nearly 20 years, Lara Lewington, and their daughter Sapphire.
Throughout his decades-long career, Lewis has become a consumer champion, offering advice on debt, consumer rights, and financial management through his broadcasting and website. He was appointed MBE in 2014 and CBE in 2022 for his services to consumer rights and charitable work.
The BAFTA special award is one of the academy's highest honors, previously awarded to figures such as historian David Olusoga, comedian Sir Lenny Henry, TV presenter Cilla Black, and actor Idris Elba.
