Angellica Bell has revealed she used to go to extreme lengths to try and make herself look smaller while on TV.
The 49-year-old, who is best known for her work on children’s TV including CBBC and Blue Peter, has opened up about her journey with body image, her first presenting paycheque, and 20 years in the spotlight while discussing purchases on podcast Spent! with former CBBC co-host Matt Edmondson.
‘I once bought one of those machines that gives you a six-pack… it’d give you electric shocks to make your tummy go in and in six months you’d have a six-pack,’ Angellica said on the podcast, while detailing one of her most ridiculous purchases.
‘It was a waste of money. There was a time where I felt compelled to look a bit smaller on TV.
‘Now I am just like, this is me – I want to have that cake. If I want to be smaller, a little bit more fit, I need to do some work and go to the gym. I just can’t be bothered,’ she said.
In the discussion about purchases, Celebrity Big Brother contestant Angellica revealed with her first CBBC paycheque she bought a pair of Vivian Westwood shoes, which at the time she paid £200 for.
‘I remember wanting to buy something that I wouldn’t have been able to buy before, but will still have value and make me feel good,’ Angellica explained.
‘I’m not materialistic… I used to wear this same bracelet on CBBC. I was like, until it’s broken and falling apart I am keeping this.
‘I bought this pair of Vivian Westwood shoes, I have still got them. I still wear them on the One Show – I have got more value out of those shoes than Vivian Westwood did.’
Matt and Angellica also shared their memories of working together on the CBBC show in the noughties, as he remembered her as being ‘just really kind’ with no ego, despite being a BBC ‘big dog’.
The One Show host also confessed she didn’t think a job in TV would be possible for her as a ‘chubby’ child with ‘national health glasses’, but through drama and playing different characters Angellica found confidence.
As for her biggest money regret – a repeat question on the podcast – Angellica recalled being coaxed into a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon by her friend which left a very sour taste in their mouths.
‘We get in the helicopter, and we start going, and it’s great. Then all of a sudden, I’m looking out the window and I hear her being sick. Rachel voming in the sick bag… I was like, oh my gosh, kill me now,’ Angellica remembered.
‘She’s the one who wanted the trip, made us spend the money, and is now not looking at anything outside the window because her head’s down in between her knees trying not to be sick.
‘Are you for real? I was trying to be empathetic and kind but in my head I was like – I have spent this much money because of you and you’re sick.’
Brought to you in association with Nationwide, Spent! is available now on Youtube, and wherever you get your podcasts
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