Martin Lewis CBE: Television Special Award 2026

Broadcast journalist and Money Saving Expert himself Martin Lewis CBE, has been awarded the 2026 BAFTA Television Special Award.

Often referred to as the most trusted man on British television, Lewis is a broadcaster, journalist and campaigner on a mission. A mission that involves empowering the public “to take action” that can “improve [their] quality of life”.

The award recognises Lewis’ extraordinary and lasting impact on British consumers and public life, something the broadcaster is incredibly proud of. And something he reflects: “shines a much-needed spotlight on TV consumer journalism, which plays a vital role in society to help redress the imbalance of power between consumers and the big institutions of commerce and the state.”

For more than 20 years Lewis has been helping shift the way the nation thinks about money. From providing cash saving tips and financial awareness advice on the wildly popular consumer website MoneySavingExpert.com – launched in 2003, to appearing on TV screens across the country with his long-running ITV series The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, Lewis’ crusade for consumer justice has been unstoppable.

Martin explains: “Campaigning journalism does not just mean exposing stories. It can also mean engaging viewers to take action.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the privilege ITV has given me over the past 14 years. Inviting me into people’s sitting rooms, in the evenings, with a platform to share information that I believe can help improve people’s quality of life. Yet I’m most grateful for the privilege so many of those watching have given me by listening and acting on it.”

Over the years Martin has been a champion of important consumer campaigns. Applying his journalistic skills to investigating, and cutting through complex issues in a way that helps drive change. He is credited with helping consumers get £1bn back in unfair bank charges, recoup £10bn of Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) premiums, and pushing for government changes on energy bills and mortgage policies.

“To get this (award) is effectively recognising the journalism I do and understanding that finally I’ve managed to get out there and get people to realise that you can give activist information and direct help as a journalist, not an adviser.” – Martin Lewis

With roles as the host of The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, presenter and expert on Good Morning Britain, and resident expert on This Morning, Lewis is a recognisable face in households across the country. And while he confesses he may have to “step away” from the strains of live reporting in future, one thing you are unlikely to see Lewis saying yes to anytime soon is politics. He says: “I would prefer to wire my nipples to electrodes, not in a pleasant way, than go into politics.”

So how does it feel to have his passion for broadcast journalism and consumer rights recognised by BAFTA? Jaw dropping, Lewis says: “If someone had told the young man retraining in 1997 for a postgrad in broadcast journalism that this would happen, his jaw would have dropped. He’d have smiled in disbelief, and asked: ‘What on earth for?’ And, truthfully, I still feel a bit like that today.”

A BAFTA Special Award is one of the academy’s highest honours recognising an outstanding contribution to film, games or television. You can see more award winners in our Awards database. 

For more inspiring stories from the world of film, games and TV explore our BAFTA Award Stories.