Bafta TV Awards 2026: Martin Lewis Delivers Emotional Speech, and Other Memorable Moments
The financial journalist thanked viewers and his family while dedicating the honor to consumer journalism and urging action on student loan policy.
- On Sunday, financial journalist Martin Lewis received the BAFTA Special Award at London's Royal Festival Hall, presented by author Richard Osman for his decades of consumer journalism work.
- Lewis wrote his acceptance speech on Thursday, 42 years after his mother's sudden death before his 12th birthday, describing himself as a "broken, scared boy" who "barely left the house."
- The Martin Lewis Money Show host described his ITV program as "basically a powerpoint presentation with a Q&A after," arguing the award proves "TV doesn't have to be format-driven."
- During the speech, Lewis criticized the "morally wrong" freezing of plan 2 student loan repayment thresholds, appealing directly to Chancellor Rachel Reeves to reconsider the policy due next year.
- Lewis concluded by thanking his wife of almost 20 years, Lara Lewington, and daughter Sapphire, crediting his viewers as "what keeps me doing this.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Martin Lewis leaves Bafta TV Awards viewers in tears as he addresses mother's death in 'emotional' speech
Martin Lewis left viewers reaching for the tissues on Sunday evening after he was honoured with the Bafta Television Special Award at Sunday evening's ceremony.Mr Lewis delivered a deeply moving speech as he reflected on the loss of his mother, Susan, in a road accident four decades ago.The 54-year-old financial journalist and Money Saving Expert founder collected the accolade at the Royal Festival Hall in London, recognised for his "extraordina…
Martin Lewis delivers emotional speech at BAFTA Television Awards 2026 - and leaves wife in tears
Martin Lewis moved the BAFTA TV Awards 2026 audience to tears with an emotional speech about his past as he took home the ceremony's Special Award.The Money Saving Expert, a regular on ITV daytime, was celebrated at the ceremony for his continued work in consumer journalism, helping millions across the country with their financial troubles.Joined by his wife, Lara Lewington, at the ceremony, held this Sunday (10 May 2026) at Royal Festival Hall,…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Left, 40% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
