Martin Lewis Overcome with Emotion During BAFTA Speech as He Recounts Devastating Loss

Martin Lewis, the renowned founder of Money Saving Expert and ITV star, was honored with a BAFTA Special Award at the 2026 TV BAFTA Awards, which was presented to him by Richard Osman during the BBC broadcast. Lewis's acceptance speech was a poignant and emotional moment in the ceremony, as he fought back tears while detailing his devastating loss.

The ITV star began his speech with a joke, saying: 'Yes, a BAFTA, mainly for an ITV show that’s just a PowerPoint presentation with a Q&A afterwards.' He then went on to argue that TV 'doesn’t have to be format driven', adding: 'People will embrace something actionable, something real, something that helps, and they will even embrace complexity if we make it worth it.' This statement reflects Lewis's commitment to consumer journalism and his passion for creating content that resonates with audiences.

However, the tone of the speech took a somber turn when Lewis mentioned that the award was presented to him 42 years to the day that he lost his mother. He recounted how his childhood was cut short and how he barely left the house for six years after her passing. Lewis's voice cracked with emotion as he shared this personal anecdote, and the audience was deeply moved by his words.

Lewis's speech was not only a tribute to his own journey but also a message of hope for those struggling with their own demons. He dedicated the award to consumer journalism, which he said had given him the fire to pursue his passion. The audience was visibly moved by Lewis's words, and the applause that followed was a testament to the impact of his speech.

The 2026 TV BAFTA Awards, hosted by comedian and Taskmaster icon Greg Davies, saw several other notable wins, including the cast of Adolescence, which won Best Limited Drama. Owen Cooper picked up his award for Best Supporting Actor in the Netflix drama series, while Christine Tremarco won Best Supporting Actress. The Celebrity Traitors also started off strong, picking up the Best Reality Award, and Prime Video’s Last One Laughing scooped up the award for Best Entertainment show.

The BAFTAs are a celebration of excellence in British television, and this year's ceremony was no exception. The awards recognize the hard work and dedication of individuals and teams in the television industry, and they provide a platform for talents like Martin Lewis to share their stories and inspire others. As the evening drew to a close, Lewis's emotional speech remained a highlight of the ceremony, a reminder of the power of television to touch hearts and minds.

In a year marked by controversy and challenges, the BAFTAs provided a much-needed respite, a chance for the television community to come together and celebrate their achievements. The ceremony was broadcast live on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer, allowing audiences to relive the magic of the evening and experience the emotional moment when Martin Lewis accepted his BAFTA Special Award.