In The Public Eye with Angellica Bell
When you’re an accomplished media figure and have made waves as a TV and radio presenter for the past two decades, you know a thing or two about what it takes to be in the public eye. Angellica chatted to Brand You about everything – from how she became a household name, to the importance of representation within the media, the challenges of the entertainment industry and the concept of fame.
“I was the first person in my family to go to university and graduated in the mid-nineties from the University of the West of England with a degree in politics, and no intentions of venturing into the world of television,” Angellica reminisces. “My sights were set on a law conversion in London, aiming for a legal career. Looking back, you could say there are some parallels between being a barrister and the theatrical nature of TV, but that definitely wasn’t on my radar at the time.”
“Transitioning from an ordinary life to being projected into the spotlight and recognised on the street by millions, including children and parents, took some getting used to.”
Angellica’s original plan was to be guided into the legal realm by a leader from her youth group, who was a barrister at Middle Temple. However, fate dealt a cruel blow when he passed away suddenly, leaving Angellica devastated. Faced with the challenge of clearing student loans and saving for law school, she found herself temping at the Television Centre in West London, her office situated in the notorious East Tower—the hub for children’s television.
“I think I was in the right place at the right time! I had always enjoyed performing arts at school and tried a bit of student radio at university. I was also a member of the drama society and one of the plays I was in went to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. There are some people who know they want to be a presenter or actor from a young age. I didn’t, I just thought it looked like fun, no more than that.”
Fate then took an unexpected turn when a representative from children’s TV suggested she try her hand at presenting. Initially thinking “no way”, Angellica decided to go for it anyway. Whipping up a showreel, slapping it on a KitKat with a note saying, “take a break and watch this”, she left it on their desks, thinking nothing would ever come of it. That kind of thing never happened – well, until it did!
“To my absolute surprise, I got an audition, but it was a disaster. I had zero training and zero experience; it was overwhelming. When it was over, I turned to the producer and floor manager, essentially telling them not to hire me because I was rubbish and listed all the reasons why. Apparently, my honesty impressed them; they thought I was a natural and I got hired on the spot!”
As the longest-serving CBBC presenter, Angellica went on to rule children’s television for six phenomenal years, hosting popular shows like Xchange, 50/50, Short Change and The Saturday Show, earning two Best Presenter nods at the Children’s BAFTA Awards.
“Nobody in the broadcast TV world knew what that was in the early 2000s. I certainly didn’t see myself as a brand.”
“Transitioning from an ordinary life to being projected into the spotlight and recognised on the street by millions, including children and parents, took some getting used to. I still get approached by people in their mid-twenties, remembering how they used to rush home from school at 3.25pm to watch me. Those are the genuine connections I value the most. I’m not a big fan of social media, and maintain a relatively private lifestyle and have never engaged in behaviours that could harm my image,” she shares, shedding light on the roots of her grounded nature.
In those early days, did she realise she was building a personal brand? Reflecting on that time, Angellica admits, “Nobody in the broadcast TV world knew what that was in the early 2000s. I certainly didn’t see myself as a brand; I didn’t have the required ego or self-awareness for that and was just grateful for the break.”
One of Angellica’s greatest assets is her approach to fame, which is refreshingly down-to-earth. “I don’t find it necessary to impress others, to seek validation from famous individuals or to surround myself with celebrity connections. Instead, I’ve focused on spending time with people I trust and enjoy socialising and nights out with my close circle. I regard each day in the public eye as a blessing and know the responsibility that comes with it. If it were to end tomorrow, it would likely be due to my own actions,” she acknowledges. “So I’ve always made a conscious effort not to mess up.”
However, as her career shifted gears, it wasn’t all plain sailing and she likens the transition from children’s TV to being released into the wild. While CBBC was a diverse and supportive environment – “it was like the United Colours of Benetton” – the challenges that followed were different, and Angellica encountered hurdles, with some people suggesting that work didn’t come as easily for her due to her race or gender: a shocking contrast to the inclusive atmosphere she’d left behind. “Today’s representation is more encouraging and I’m happy to be seen as someone who’s been part of that evolution. Hopeful too that it will just keep going and soon it won’t be a conversation. It will just be normal.”
“I’ve always refused to be boxed into someone else’s mould and have asserted my true self – and that goes for any kind of workplace, not just one in the public eye.”
There was also pressure to ‘fit’ in a certain way, with comments about not being a specialist and hints that she might struggle. Attempts were made to shape her identity and control her voice. She remembers they were filming an adult mainstream programme when a producer asked her not to be so ‘urban.’ When she challenged that and sought an explanation, she got none. Undeterred, she continued with her job and eventually an apology came from the producer on set, acknowledging the inappropriateness of the comment. However, this experience left her feeling intimidated and worried about repercussions if she spoke up.
“I’ve always refused to be boxed into someone else’s mould and have asserted my true self – and that goes for any kind of workplace, not just one in the public eye,” she says. “I often advise others in the industry to have a backup plan due to the rather precarious nature of the media. Having the mental capacity to work in different roles if things don’t work out is a valuable mindset and highlights the importance of personal fulfilment and happiness over just making money.”
Always ready to explore the extraordinary and share the narratives that captivate the hearts of audiences nationwide, Angellica’s journey as one of the reporters and guest hosts on BBC’s The One Show and as the co-anchor on The Great British Village Show alongside Alan Titchmarch has allowed her to meet many wonderful people scattered across the country, each with a remarkable tale to share.
There’s really very little that seems to faze this multi-talented woman. She’s also an avid adrenaline-seeker who thrives on the thrill of adventure and the buzz of being on live TV and thrown out of her comfort zone to face her fears. Like participating in ITV1’s challenging reality show, 71 Degrees North, shot in the freezing Arctic with no connection to the outside world for more than a month, which saw her finishing second. Or learning to ride a bike for the first time and then having to cycle a section of the Tour de France for the Etape du Tour, and sailing around the British Isles for the Sport Relief challenge, Hell on High Seas, navigating a Volvo 65’ yacht alongside five other celebrities. She also joined Let’s Sing and Dance for Comic Relief and did a dance routine to raise money for charity, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact.
“It was a period that served as a poignant reminder that the lives of people in the public eye are not all glitz and glam and can be quite unforgiving.”
Yet amidst this whirlwind of excitement exists the harsh reality of unpredictability in the entertainment industry. You might be ‘on show’ but that doesn’t always mean you’re earning, and there were a few years leading up to winning Celebrity MasterChef in 2017 that weren’t easy for Angellica. Agents made it clear that talent and success weren’t enough anymore; a shift in the industry dynamic meant visibility was the new name of the game. You had to be featured a whole lot more in the press and have a huge presence on social media to get noticed and influence the frequency of work. It was nothing personal, it was just the way things were, and it left Angellica pondering whether she wanted to play by these new rules. The problem was, it wasn’t a pathway she felt equipped to navigate.
“I was really feeling the pressure but I’m a pragmatic thinker and knew there were factors beyond my control in securing opportunities. You can’t force people to give you a job. I even found myself contemplating selling my house and considered going back to study, perhaps finishing my law course or doing an MA, something I’d wanted to do. It was a period that served as a poignant reminder that the lives of people in the public eye are not all glitz and glam and can be quite unforgiving. It takes a lot of grit and self-belief to persevere.”
Angellica was up for a maternity cover position at the BBC and the expectation was that she’d get it, so when the news came in that she hadn’t been selected, she was upset and wanted to know why. Discovering that the chosen candidates needed to raise their profiles to promote other shows, and feeling a total lack of validation in her career, she turned to her boss. In an unexpected twist, he advocated for her with the BBC commissioner, leading to the offer of Celebrity MasterChef.
“I’m a big foodie – my gran was a cook from the Caribbean and I loved spending time with her as a child. I gave the show my best shot and approached it with a winning mindset, so getting to the final was a personal triumph. When they announced my name, it felt totally surreal. I was in shock for ages. I don’t think I realised how passionate I was about food and how it can make me feel. I’ve installed the importance of cooking as a life skill in my two children, and hope to inspire others to do the same with my children’s cookbook, Fantastic Eats! I was even asked to go back on Blue Peter to cook a recipe and got my Gold badge. That’s pretty cool!”
Angellica considers that the show was a great turning point and allowed people to see the ‘real her’. She got loads of press coverage and the phone started to ring again. She began covering the Chelsea Flower Show, a big favourite of hers, and got offers for different genres of TV work, including co-presenter of The Martin Lewis Money Show.
Her ventures into radio have further cemented her status as a versatile media personality, and in addition to the Magic Radio Saturday morning show, it was announced in February that she was the new wake-up call for the UK each morning as Hits Radio breakfast show host, taking over from Fleur East whilst she was on maternity leave.
“I’m often asked if I see myself as a celebrity, and the answer is no. In fact, I don’t really like the word. I’m very protective about my personal life, which is why I don’t do many interviews. Of course I’m aware that as someone who is well-known and widely visible, people want to say hello, have a chat, take pictures. It comes with the territory and I want them to feel comfortable doing that. Those few minutes spent with fans mean a lot to them, and to me, and help to build a great reputation and a legacy that everyone will remember.”
“I’ve witnessed doors opening after movements like Black Lives Matter, and it’s rewarding to know that my presence on CBBC had such a positive impact on young viewers, especially during a time when diversity on television was limited.”
“I can’t hide from the fact that I have a job in the public eye and that means being written about and attracting attention and scrutiny. I do believe in visibility. It’s crucial. Being in the press makes you visible. How you use that visibility is up to you, especially in terms of branding and PR.”
Angellica goes on to caution about the pitfalls of caring too much about what other people think. “I’ve learned that I can’t control others’ perceptions or words, so I am careful about what I agree to do or who I talk to. In fact, as long as I navigate with clear intentions, work on shows I love and which have integrity, and believe in the essence of who I am and what I’m doing, then I can detach from any negative narratives to focus more on the positive impact my work has made over the years. Then there’s nothing to fear.”
Since she began hosting the NatWest Business Show podcast in 2022, Angellica has interviewed dozens of successful female entrepreneurs to discover how they’ve grown their thriving businesses. “One thing I have observed is the significant level of sacrifice women are willing to make to ensure the end result. Some share the sacrifice of personal relationships for the sake of their business and brand. It’s a common theme, showcasing their determination and commitment,” she says. “I’ve always cared about small businesses because it’s really hard to get your business off the ground. So I’d do what I could to help, like wearing dresses from small retail outlets on the show and releasing their details – they’d sell out, and that helped.”
Always happy to lend her voice and influence to make a positive impact and raise awareness of good causes, Angellica recently received the Amazing Women Award for her work as an ambassador for Neuroblastoma UK. She feels a deep connection to supporting organisations like theirs because she’s a mother and has her roots in children’s TV, and because every child deserves a chance at a good life. “Attending events and hearing from parents breaks my heart. Cancer is devastating for anyone, but especially for children who haven’t had the opportunity to experience life fully.”
“On a final note about personal brand and legacy, authenticity is crucial to me. I want to be remembered as someone who was true to themselves and others. I’d also describe myself as a trailblazer, having inspired a generation, especially those who watched me growing up. I believe in having a good time and embracing life because it’s too short. I’ve witnessed doors opening after movements like Black Lives Matter, and it’s rewarding to know that my presence on CBBC had such a positive impact on young viewers, especially during a time when diversity on television was limited.”
“Despite all the challenges, I’m immensely proud of sticking it out and count myself very fortunate in my career, with too many highlights to mention, although interviewing Oprah Winfrey – “so inspirational but so normal” – and travelling to Madagascar to meet the lemurs were rather special.”
We’ve really enjoyed chatting with Angellica and fully understand how her engaging and charismatic personality has made her such a beloved figure and a role model for success across so many different platforms. Much more than a presenter, she’s an incredibly savvy influencer, whose experience reveals her vast range of interests and expertise; from fame and family to food, finance and far beyond. And, although she doesn’t like the term ‘celeb’, she’s definitely earned herself the title of ‘Showbiz Woman of the Year’ in our book.
INTERVIEW BY OLIVIA MAROCCO – EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – BRAND YOU MAGAZINE
Article published in Brand You Magazine – Edition 30
Angellica Bell – TV & Radio Presenter / Author / Public Speaker
Angellica has been a TV and radio presenter and is one of the most recognisable faces on the BBC, known for co-hosting The One Show, The Martin Lewis Money Show and winning the 2017 series of Celebrity MasterChef.
Instagram: @angellicabell
