Latest news with #TheMartinLewisMoneyShow
Western Telegraph
04-07-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
How to cut your childcare bill as nursery fees top £1,000
Data from UK Debt Expert reveals families are now spending more than ever on childcare - with London parents paying as much as £1,431.96 a month. For lower-income households, a single day of childcare can cost over seven hours of work, meaning many are essentially paying to work. Even in less expensive areas like the North East, parents are still looking at around £945.50 per month for childcare. For information see the link below 📷 For information on how to book Kids Clubs & Wraparound Care please use this link - — Early Learning and Childcare PKC (@elc_pkc) July 1, 2025 The financial reality is pushing many parents, particularly mothers, to their limits – and for single parents, the situation is even more extreme. When other living expenses are factored in, the financial picture becomes even more daunting. For a family of four: In London, estimated monthly expenditure (excluding rent) is £3,213. In Manchester, these costs amount to £2,517.60. Even in a more affordable city like Leicester, families are looking at £2,228.50 per month. Add to this the average monthly mortgage repayments, which range from £1,565 in Manchester to £2,227 in Bristol for a semi-detached house, and it's clear why many couples are delaying or deciding against having children. While both parents feel the financial strain, it's women who often bear the brunt of the career impact. Women are more likely to take extended time off work or reduce their hours to care for children, leading to what's often referred to as the "motherhood penalty" in their career progression and earning potential. If you pay for childcare, whether just for the summer or all year round, watch this quick video briefing on the help that's available. Huge numbers are missing out. Courtesy of ITV The Martin Lewis Money Show, watch the full summer special back at — Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) May 23, 2025 In fact, research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies shows that by the time a woman's first child turns 12, her hourly wage is typically 33% lower than that of a man. Maxine McCreadie, a personal finance expert at UK Debt Expert, says: "The data paints an even more worrying picture for single parents, who are often facing the brunt of the financial burden. "Unlike co-parents, single parents don't have the luxury of splitting costs, meaning they are often forced to take on the full financial load for housing, childcare, and everyday living expenses. With 9 out of 10 single parents being women, it's no wonder more women are deciding not to have children, and it's essential that more support is provided, particularly as these families are more vulnerable to falling into debt." Further data from UK Debt Expert highlighted that for parents earning £16,000 per year, a single day of childcare requires over seven hours of work, compared to just 3.3 hours for someone earning the national average of £2,397 a month. This stark disparity highlights the heavier burden on lower-income parents, who must juggle childcare expenses with other essential costs, often leaving little time or money for social activities. Read Martin Lewis's open letter to the new Chancellor to fix unfair systems... on Child Benefit, Carer's Allowance, LISA fines, Tax-Free Childcare and morehttps:// — MoneySavingExpert (@MoneySavingExp) July 24, 2024 Maxine explains: "The high cost of childcare not only limits a parent's financial flexibility but also their ability to maintain a social life. For lower-income families, the pressure to prioritise work and childcare leaves little room for social engagement, which can lead to feelings of isolation, especially for single parents or those in lower-paid jobs." Five ways to save money on childcare bills Start saving early: If possible, begin setting aside money for childcare costs before your child is born. Research all available benefits: Ensure you're claiming all the government support you're entitled to, such as child benefit and tax-free childcare. Consider flexible working options: Discuss flexible hours or remote work possibilities with your employer to potentially reduce childcare costs. Look into childcare alternatives: Explore options like childminding or nanny-sharing, which can be more cost-effective than traditional nurseries. Create a budget for baby essentials: Plan and prioritise spending on necessary items, and consider buying second-hand or borrowing from friends and family to cut costs. Education Secretary urges Brits to consider having more children and have them sooner This comes as Bridget Phillipson has called on Brits to consider having more children and have them sooner, warning of the 'worrying repercussions' posed by a decline in birth rates. The Education Secretary told the Daily Telegraph falling birth rates were not only a concerning trend but one which 'tells a story, heartbreakingly, about the dashed dreams of many families'. Official data from the Office for National Statistics shows fertility rates in England and Wales dropped to 1.44 children per woman in 2023, the lowest level since records began in 1938. Ms Phillipson said people were scared off having children due to the high costs, and wanted 'more young people to have children, if they so choose'. 'A generation of young people have been thinking twice about starting a family, worried not only about rising mortgage and rent repayments, wary not only of the price of fuel and food but also put off by a childcare system simultaneously lacking in places and ruinously expensive,' she said. Ms Phillipson's comments come months after she told the Daily Mail young women had been given added 'freedom' to have more children by expanded government-funded childcare. For information see the link below 📷 For information on how to book Kids Clubs & Wraparound Care please use this link - — Early Learning and Childcare PKC (@elc_pkc) July 1, 2025 Since May, working parents of children who turn nine months old before September 1 have been able to apply to access up to 30 hours of free childcare per week, until their child is old enough to start school. 'They will be able to make choices about the career that's right for them, the hours that they want, but also [have] the freedom to think about family size and how many children they want to have, with support from the Government around childcare hours,' she said in May. Recommended reading: The expansion of funded childcare began being rolled out in England in April last year for working parents of two-year-olds. Working parents of children older than nine months are currently able to access 15 hours of funded childcare a week, before the full rollout of 30 hours a week to all eligible families in September. The Labour Government announced that up to 4,000 childcare places are set to be rolled out at new or expanded school-based nurseries in England from September.
Wales Online
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2025: Angellica Bell 'in talks' to join line-up
BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2025: Angellica Bell 'in talks' to join line-up Former CBBC star Angellica Bell is said to be in talks to join the 2025 line-up of Strictly Come Dancing as the BBC reportedly eye up a number of big names for the show Angellica Bell is said to be in talks to join the 2025 line-up of Strictly Come Dancing (Image: Instagram ) The highly anticipated return of Strictly Come Dancing is drawing closer with speculation mounting over which celebrities will be taking to the ballroom floor. Former CBBC host Angellica Bell is rumoured to be in discussions about joining this year's lineup, having apparently caught producers' attention during her stint on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year. An insider revealed to The Sun: "Angellica has been very vocal about her desire to be on Strictly. "Her confidence was massively knocked by the whole Martin Lewis drama but she's had a new lease of life since doing Celebrity Big Brother. "She's hugely energetic and will throw herself into training. Strictly bosses think she'll be a great fit.", reports OK!. The TV presenter reportedly caught producers' attention during her stint on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year (Image: PA ) Article continues below Both the BBC and representatives for Angellica Bell have been approached for comment. In 2023, Angellica vanished unexpectedly from The Martin Lewis Money Show, leaving audiences puzzled about her whereabouts. Following a six-year run on the ITV programme, her sudden departure generated considerable bewilderment and conjecture amongst viewers. Two years on, the topic remains a sensitive matter for Angellica, who became emotional whilst discussing it during Celebrity Big Brother. The 49 year old television star admitted at the time: "It took me a long time to get over that." She also confessed to feeling "a little bit scared" about participating in the reality programme, particularly regarding the possibility of having to address her unexpected departure from the show. In 2023, Angellica vanished unexpectedly from The Martin Lewis Money Show (Image: 2025) Angellica expressed her gratitude, saying: "I was so grateful to all of the audience who messaged me about it, also to other celebrities who contacted me and stuff because those messages are what got me through." She added that appearing on the show helped her reconnect with herself: "That's why I wanted to come onto this show and tap into my old self because it's taken me a long time. You know what, I think I found myself again being here." Article continues below ITV released a statement regarding Angellica's involvement in their programming: "Angellica is not working on the Martin Lewis Money Show Live, however, the relationship with her remains amicable and we are working with her on other forthcoming programmes." The rumour mill suggests that Angellica, along with Sir Mo Farah, Dani Dyer, Tayce, Ashley Cain, and Thomas Skinner, may be set to join the line-up for Strictly Come Dancing this year. Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One
Scottish Sun
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Axed ITV star in talks for Strictly 2025 after catching bosses' eyes in Celebrity Big Brother stint
She is enjoying a TV revival after being axed from a huge show bell of the ballroom Axed ITV star in talks for Strictly 2025 after catching bosses' eyes in Celebrity Big Brother stint Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN axed ITV star is being lined up for Strictly Come Dancing after impressing TV bosses with her comeback stint on Celebrity Big Brother. The popular TV presenter has been in the spotlight for 20 years but has now found herself back at the forefront after being binned off from her last job. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Strictly Come Dancing bosses are eyeing up Celebrity Big Brother star Angellica Bell Credit: Rex 6 The star is having a TV revival after being dumped from The Martin Lewis Money Show 6 Now, BBC bosses are considering her for this year's dancing contest Credit: Getty Angellica Bell found herself without any TV work after being unexpectedly dumped from The Martin Lewis Money Show in 2023. However, she was handed a huge lifeline when she was chosen to enter the Celebrity Big Brother house in April of this year. Having won over fans with her bubbly personality, she has now caught the eye of BBC bosses - who are considering offering her a place on this year's Strictly Come Dancing. A source told The Sun: 'Angellica has been very vocal about her desire to be on Strictly. 'Her confidence was massively knocked by the whole Martin Lewis drama but she's had a new lease of life since doing Celebrity Big Brother. She wants to grab every opportunity and has no qualms about making known what she wants. 'She's hugely energetic and will throw herself into training. "Strictly bosses think she'll be a great fit.' The Sun has contacted representatives for Strictly Come Dancing and Angellica Bell for comment. During her time in the house, Angellica broke down in tears when discussing her axing from Martin Lewis' show and being sidelined from major TV shows. CBB's Angellica Bell FINALLY breaks silence on Martin Lewis feud - saying 'it took me a long time to get over that' After admitting that Celebrity Big Brother had offered her a new lease of life, she reflected on her recent TV struggles. Speaking in the CBB house at the time, the former CBBC star said: "It's probably the best thing I've done in a long time. "Before I came in here, I was a little bit scared. "The press were asking if I'd talk about the Martin Lewis show and stuff. "It took me a long time to get over that. "I'm so grateful to all the audience that messaged me about it and also to other celebrities who contacted me and stuff. 6 Angellica broke down in tears on CBB discussing her TV sacking Credit: ITV 6 The move left her sidelined from TV until her CBB stint Credit: Handout "It was those messages and support that got me through. "That's why I wanted to come on the show to tap into my old self. "It has taken a long, long time." The 49-year-old was "secretly sacked" from The Martin Lewis Money Show in 2023. Angellica joined the show in 2017 and helped the programme receive a nomination for a TV Bafta. Since appearing on CBB this year, the BBC have also worked with Angellica by handing her a guest hosting slot on The One Show within days of her exit from Britain's most famous house.
The Irish Sun
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Axed ITV star in talks for Strictly 2025 after catching bosses' eyes in Celebrity Big Brother stint
Advertisement AN axed ITV star is being lined up for Strictly Come Dancing after impressing TV bosses with her comeback stint on Celebrity Big Brother. Advertisement The popular TV presenter has been in the spotlight for 20 years but has now found herself back at the forefront after being binned off from her last job. Advertisement 6 Strictly Come Dancing bosses are eyeing up Celebrity Big Brother star Angellica Bell Credit: Rex Advertisement 6 The star is having a TV revival after being dumped from The Martin Lewis Money Show 6 Now, BBC bosses are considering her for this year's dancing contest Credit: Getty Advertisement Angellica Bell found herself without any TV work after being unexpectedly dumped from The Martin Lewis Money Show in 2023. Advertisement However, she was handed a huge lifeline when she was chosen to enter the Celebrity Big Brother house in April of this year. Advertisement Having won over fans with her bubbly personality, she has now caught the eye of BBC bosses - who are considering offering her a place on this year's Strictly Come Dancing. A source told The Sun: 'Angellica has been very vocal about her desire to be on Strictly. Advertisement Read More on Angellica Bell Advertisement 'Her confidence was massively knocked by the whole Martin Lewis drama but she's had a new lease of life since doing Celebrity Big Brother. She wants to grab every opportunity and has no qualms about making known what she wants. Advertisement 'She's hugely energetic and will throw herself into training. Advertisement "Strictly bosses think she'll be a great fit.' Advertisement Most read in TV The Sun has contacted representatives for Strictly Come Dancing and Angellica Bell for comment. Advertisement During her time in the house, Angellica broke down in tears when discussing her axing from Martin Lewis' show and being sidelined from major TV shows. Advertisement CBB's Angellica Bell FINALLY breaks silence on Martin Lewis feud - saying 'it took me a long time to get over that' After admitting that Celebrity Big Brother had offered her a new lease of life, she reflected on her recent TV struggles. Advertisement Speaking Advertisement "Before I came in here, I was a little bit scared. "The press were asking if I'd talk about the Martin Lewis show and stuff. Advertisement "It took me a long time to get over that. Advertisement "I'm so grateful to all the audience that messaged me about it and also to other celebrities who contacted me and stuff. Advertisement 6 Angellica broke down in tears on CBB discussing her TV sacking Credit: ITV 6 The move left her sidelined from TV until her CBB stint Credit: Handout Advertisement "It was those messages and support that got me through. Advertisement "That's why I wanted to come on the show to tap into my old self. Advertisement "It has taken a long, long time." The 49-year-old was " " from in 2023. Angellica joined the show in 2017 and helped the programme receive a nomination for a TV Bafta . Since appearing on CBB this year, the BBC have also worked with Angellica by handing her a guest hosting slot on The One Show within days of her exit from Britain's most famous house. Advertisement 6 She's now eyeing up a second huge show for the year Credit: Rex Advertisement
Glasgow Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
How to cut your childcare bill as nursery fees top £1,000
Data from UK Debt Expert reveals families are now spending more than ever on childcare - with London parents paying as much as £1,431.96 a month. For lower-income households, a single day of childcare can cost over seven hours of work, meaning many are essentially paying to work. Even in less expensive areas like the North East, parents are still looking at around £945.50 per month for childcare. For information see the link below 📷 For information on how to book Kids Clubs & Wraparound Care please use this link - — Early Learning and Childcare PKC (@elc_pkc) July 1, 2025 The financial reality is pushing many parents, particularly mothers, to their limits – and for single parents, the situation is even more extreme. When other living expenses are factored in, the financial picture becomes even more daunting. For a family of four: In London, estimated monthly expenditure (excluding rent) is £3,213. In Manchester, these costs amount to £2,517.60. Even in a more affordable city like Leicester, families are looking at £2,228.50 per month. Add to this the average monthly mortgage repayments, which range from £1,565 in Manchester to £2,227 in Bristol for a semi-detached house, and it's clear why many couples are delaying or deciding against having children. While both parents feel the financial strain, it's women who often bear the brunt of the career impact. Women are more likely to take extended time off work or reduce their hours to care for children, leading to what's often referred to as the "motherhood penalty" in their career progression and earning potential. If you pay for childcare, whether just for the summer or all year round, watch this quick video briefing on the help that's available. Huge numbers are missing out. Courtesy of ITV The Martin Lewis Money Show, watch the full summer special back at — Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) May 23, 2025 In fact, research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies shows that by the time a woman's first child turns 12, her hourly wage is typically 33% lower than that of a man. Maxine McCreadie, a personal finance expert at UK Debt Expert, says: "The data paints an even more worrying picture for single parents, who are often facing the brunt of the financial burden. "Unlike co-parents, single parents don't have the luxury of splitting costs, meaning they are often forced to take on the full financial load for housing, childcare, and everyday living expenses. With 9 out of 10 single parents being women, it's no wonder more women are deciding not to have children, and it's essential that more support is provided, particularly as these families are more vulnerable to falling into debt." Further data from UK Debt Expert highlighted that for parents earning £16,000 per year, a single day of childcare requires over seven hours of work, compared to just 3.3 hours for someone earning the national average of £2,397 a month. This stark disparity highlights the heavier burden on lower-income parents, who must juggle childcare expenses with other essential costs, often leaving little time or money for social activities. Read Martin Lewis's open letter to the new Chancellor to fix unfair systems... on Child Benefit, Carer's Allowance, LISA fines, Tax-Free Childcare and morehttps:// — MoneySavingExpert (@MoneySavingExp) July 24, 2024 Maxine explains: "The high cost of childcare not only limits a parent's financial flexibility but also their ability to maintain a social life. For lower-income families, the pressure to prioritise work and childcare leaves little room for social engagement, which can lead to feelings of isolation, especially for single parents or those in lower-paid jobs." Five ways to save money on childcare bills Start saving early: If possible, begin setting aside money for childcare costs before your child is born. Research all available benefits: Ensure you're claiming all the government support you're entitled to, such as child benefit and tax-free childcare. Consider flexible working options: Discuss flexible hours or remote work possibilities with your employer to potentially reduce childcare costs. Look into childcare alternatives: Explore options like childminding or nanny-sharing, which can be more cost-effective than traditional nurseries. Create a budget for baby essentials: Plan and prioritise spending on necessary items, and consider buying second-hand or borrowing from friends and family to cut costs. Education Secretary urges Brits to consider having more children and have them sooner This comes as Bridget Phillipson has called on Brits to consider having more children and have them sooner, warning of the 'worrying repercussions' posed by a decline in birth rates. The Education Secretary told the Daily Telegraph falling birth rates were not only a concerning trend but one which 'tells a story, heartbreakingly, about the dashed dreams of many families'. Official data from the Office for National Statistics shows fertility rates in England and Wales dropped to 1.44 children per woman in 2023, the lowest level since records began in 1938. Ms Phillipson said people were scared off having children due to the high costs, and wanted 'more young people to have children, if they so choose'. 'A generation of young people have been thinking twice about starting a family, worried not only about rising mortgage and rent repayments, wary not only of the price of fuel and food but also put off by a childcare system simultaneously lacking in places and ruinously expensive,' she said. Ms Phillipson's comments come months after she told the Daily Mail young women had been given added 'freedom' to have more children by expanded government-funded childcare. For information see the link below 📷 For information on how to book Kids Clubs & Wraparound Care please use this link - — Early Learning and Childcare PKC (@elc_pkc) July 1, 2025 Since May, working parents of children who turn nine months old before September 1 have been able to apply to access up to 30 hours of free childcare per week, until their child is old enough to start school. 'They will be able to make choices about the career that's right for them, the hours that they want, but also [have] the freedom to think about family size and how many children they want to have, with support from the Government around childcare hours,' she said in May. Recommended reading: The expansion of funded childcare began being rolled out in England in April last year for working parents of two-year-olds. Working parents of children older than nine months are currently able to access 15 hours of funded childcare a week, before the full rollout of 30 hours a week to all eligible families in September. The Labour Government announced that up to 4,000 childcare places are set to be rolled out at new or expanded school-based nurseries in England from September.
