The GMB presenter has been criticised for his backstage behaviour by colleagues who have called out his alleged shocking behaviour
PEOPLE’s champion Martin Lewis came under fire for storming the set of Good Morning Britain this week to berate opposition leader Kemi Badenoch. However, while viewers were horrified, ITV daytime employees were far from surprised, telling us: “The mask has finally slipped.”
The money-saving expert’s stunt spectacularly backfired as he was accused of rudely ‘mansplaining’ and speaking over the surprised politician. Now insiders are making explosive claims about Martin being “difficult” to work for, which is set to shock fans.
As we revealed last week, the breakfast show has suffered plummeting ratings since Piers Morgan quit as host five years however, Martin’s outburst went viral as he confronted an unsuspecting Ms Badenoch while she was being interviewed in the studio by Susanna Reid and Ed Balls.
A visibly frustrated Martin, 53, stood over the 46-year-old Tory leader in a fiery clash over student loans.
But instead of being hailed a hero for sticking up for lowly students, fans were up in arms – and now some ITV insiders who have worked with Martin have opened up about their own experiences.
One ITV colleague told The Sun: “Martin’s reputation with the public is vastly different to how he is known for behaving by those he works with backstage.
“He’s notorious for being rude and thinking he’s always right. He can be a very intimidating figure.
“He means well, but he’s very pedantic about how he wants things done and that can cause hostility.
“Even experienced producers across daytime find him difficult to deal with.
“The only surprise about his behaviour with Kemi is that it happened on-screen. It’s as if the mask has finally slipped.”
However, an ITV spokesman said: “We don’t recognise this behaviour. Martin is a valued contributor and presenter as well as being a highly regarded and respected voice for the viewer.”
Martin is a regular presenter on Good Morning Britain, but was on the programme as a guest when he confronted Ms Badenoch.
He also has his own weeknight show, The Martin Lewis Money Show, which is on its 13th series, and is often seen on This Morning offering household money tips and is highly regarded by viewers looking for financial advice.
Martin told his 3.3million followers on X at 8.20am: “About to go on GMB to argue why Chancellor is morally wrong to freeze the Plan 2 student loan repayment threshold, and should reverse the decision…”
He emerged from behind the cameras at 8.28am, telling Ms Badenoch “what she should be doing” after standing over her and gesturing with his hands, until Susanna scolded: “Martin take a seat.”
It wasn’t a good look as the money-saving expert continued to lecture the leader of the opposition to focus on increasing the salary threshold at which repayments start, while blundering co-host Ed chimed in.
It made the exchange appear as three against one towards the Leader of the Opposition, who isn’t even in power to make the changes he suggested.
Another source told us: “For years, Martin has been praised by the public and become a fan favourite on ITV, but he got this one badly wrong.
“In Martin’s mind, he was seizing the opportunity to get a face-to-face with Ms Badenoch and looked like a hero as he stood up for hard done by students struggling to repay their loans.
“While his point was valid, the way in which he delivered it was totally wrong.”
But another pal and colleague of the telly star said: “Martin is a consummate professional. He may come across as a little brusque on occasion but that’s because he always strives for perfection.”
“Perhaps his manner can rub people up the wrong way, but he always delivers.”
One outraged viewer said: “I don’t think it’s a great look that Martin is standing up shouting at her while she is sitting down. He really let himself down here!”
Another commented: “How pompous of Lewis. Badenoch has two University degrees and he constantly talks over her again and again. He cannot listen properly.”
Someone else added: “Is anyone allowed shout from the sidelines and then to walk onto the GMB set and challenge interviewees?”
Another wrote: “Disgusting, how can two men be allowed to shout at her, one married to a government minister, one standing over her.”
After the negative reaction exploded online, Martin quickly apologised to Ms Badenoch on X.
He wrote: “Apologies for gate crashing your GMB interview today. Student loans are so life-impacting that I wanted to ensure the key point was made – that financially, if not psychologically, the repayment threshold is a bigger issue than the interest.
“Thank you for being so courteous after the interruption – you handled it far better than I would have the other way round.
“I have asked my office to request a meeting, if you are available, to discuss this more calmly.”
However, footage of the feisty exchange continued to circulate online – with one video reaching 6.5million views.
Admitting he was taking the negative feedback on board, Martin told X last night: “Think it’s time to get off social media for the night.
“Big couple of days coming up with energy bills. Ta for all the messages and comments good & bad, I understand and will try to take both on board.
“I hope at least today raised attention of the student loan issue, particularly the coming repayment freeze (fiscal drag).”
Ms Badenoch meanwhile is said to be thrilled about how the event unfolded.
An insider revealed: “Kemi handled the situation perfectly. She got her point across concisely and calmly, despite the circumstances.
“Even though it was a highly unusual and uncomfortable situation, Kemi knows Martin is beloved by the nation.
“She was never going to pick a fight and join the criticism of him online, but the viewers spoke for her and made their feelings well known.
“Kemi cleverly used the event to her advantage while showing Martin the respect that he perhaps failed to give her.”
In 2022, Martin was awarded a CBE for services to consumer rights followed by a National Television Award for best expert in the same year.
The emotional presenter later won a 2024 RTS Special Award for his work.
A spokesman for Ms Badenoch told The Sun: “She loved meeting him and looks forward to chatting more. She’s delighted by attention for this key policy.”
