Martin Lewis has said he is “very proud” to be receiving the Bafta special award for his work in the TV industry, which is focused on helping the nation to change the way it thinks about money.
The financial journalist and broadcaster, 53, will be presented with the prize at the British Academy Television Awards ceremony on May 10, and has been hailed by Bafta as “the most trusted man on television”.
The award is one of the academy’s highest honours and previous recipients include historian and broadcaster David Olusoga, comedian Sir Lenny Henry, TV presenter Cilla Black and actor Idris Elba.
The Manchester-born broadcaster is a leading consumer champion who founded of finance website Money Saving Expert, which is dedicated to saving users money through expert research, tools, and campaigns.
He has also had a decades-long career in broadcasting, having hosted his Martin Lewis Money Show on ITV since 2012 and made regular appearances on ITV’s Good Morning Britain and This Morning as a financial expert.
Lewis has recalled how it took him “five minutes” to process that he would be receiving the Bafta special award, while in conversation with Bafta chief executive Jane Millichip during an event at the Sea Containers hotel in London.
He said: “(My agent) called me and I didn’t react. When someone calls you, you think ‘oh s***, what’s happened? What’s wrong? Oh god, what’s she going to tell me?’ So it’s defensive mode.
“She told me, and I was like, okay, all right, thank you. And then I called back about five minutes later like, ‘oh that’s wonderful’.”
Lewis went on to say he is “really proudly” a journalist and appreciates the recognition of his work from Bafta.
The broadcaster said: “To get this (award) is effectively recognising the journalism I do and understanding that finally I’ve managed to get out there and get people to realise that you can give activist information and direct help as a journalist, not an adviser.
“I think it was quite a nice sealing moment on the work I’ve done, and I was very proud.”
In a statement, Ms Millichip said Bafta is “delighted” to honour Lewis with the award, and said the organisation “cannot wait” to celebrate him at the ceremony.
She said: “For many years, Martin has been a powerful voice in British television, informing millions across the UK how to manage their finances, and empowering them to understand and stand up for their rights.
“Martin has consistently proved the power of television to drive positive societal change.
“His expertise is unique in the TV landscape and his ability to turn information into meaningful, tangible advice is unmatched.”
Lewis is known as a consumer champion who providing tips on financial advice, debt, and consumer rights through his broadcasting work and his website.
He founded the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute charity in 2016, which campaigns for policy changes and develops practical solutions to support people experiencing the vicious cycle of debt and mental illness, according to its website.
Lewis was also honoured with an MBE in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2014 and a CBE in the New Year Honours list in 2022, for his services to consumer rights and charitable services.
He will be presented with the award at the Royal Festival Hall in London on Sunday May 10.
The ceremony will be hosted by comedian Greg Davies and broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer.
