Martin Lewis left viewers reaching for the tissues on Sunday evening after he was honoured with the Bafta Television Special Award at Sunday evening’s ceremony.
Mr Lewis delivered a deeply moving speech as he reflected on the loss of his mother, Susan, in a road accident four decades ago.
The 54-year-old financial journalist and Money Saving Expert founder collected the accolade at the Royal Festival Hall in London, recognised for his “extraordinary and lasting impact on British consumers and public life.”
Bafta has previously described Mr Lewis as “the most trusted man on television.”
Martin Lewis bagged a Bafta TV Award on Sunday
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During his acceptance speech, the Manchester-born broadcaster revealed he had written his remarks on Thursday, which marked exactly 42 years since his mother’s sudden death just days before his 12th birthday.
“My childhood was over,” Mr Lewis told the audience, visibly emotional as he spoke.
Mr Lewis recounted how the tragedy left him unable to leave his home for six years, apart from attending school.
“For six years, barring school, I barely left the house. Now I’m picking up a Bafta,” he said.
Martin Lewis paid tribute to his late mother
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The presenter offered words of encouragement to anyone facing their own difficulties.
“For all those of you out there struggling with your own demons, know this: life can be transformed, it can get better,” Mr Lewis told the audience.
“If you had told that broken, scared boy that I’d proudly be a campaigning journalist, his jaw would have dropped. So I dedicate this to consumer journalism, where I found my fire.”
Elsewhere during his speech, Mr Lewis used his platform to directly challenge Chancellor Rachel Reeves over government policy on student debt.
Martin Lewis is one of the country’s best-known financial journalists
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He condemned the planned freezing of the repayment threshold for plan 2 student loans, due to take effect next year, as “morally wrong.”
“Chancellor, please,” he urged from the stage.
The consumer champion spoke about the broader significance of journalism in holding those in power accountable.
“That power to hold power to account with trust and impartiality is needed more than ever in our fractured world,” Mr Lewis stated.
Martin Lewis left Bafta TV Awards viewers in tears
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Richard Osman presented Mr Lewis with the honour, praising him as “someone who hasn’t just informed the public, but genuinely helped them.”
“He’s challenged government, influenced policy and caused real change,” Mr Osman said.
Mr Lewis concluded his speech by expressing gratitude to his viewers, noting they “don’t just watch, but act and save a shedload” and that his audience is “what keeps me doing this.”
He also acknowledged his wife, Lara Lewington, to whom he has been married for nearly 20 years, and their daughter, Sapphire.
“Happy birthday today, Lara. Sorry I stole your birthday,” Mr Lewis said to his wife in the audience.
The presenter wrapped up with a memorable sign-off: “It is time for this nerd to party.”
Soon after his speech, social media was awash with congratulatory messages from fans, with many left sobbing following his heartfelt words.
“@MartinSLewis tears for your @BAFTA win!!!” one X user penned, while a second echoed: “I’m a grown ass man bawling my eyes out after that! Congratulations, no one more deserving.”
Half way through the #Baftas, great fun but a three hour record, no break. Very glad I snuck in popchips, malteasers and a banana. No idea when this will send though. No signal. pic.twitter.com/q1Lv34B5lC
— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) May 10, 2026
A third weighed in: “A very moving – and campaigning – speech from Martin Lewis on receiving the BAFTA Special Award, tears about his late mum, then lots to say at breakneck speed, including his lament that consumer journalism is not seen as sexy.”
“Got emotional listening to your acceptance speech. Such a deserved award, congratulations to the People’s Chancellor,” a fourth said directly to the presenter.
Another concurred: “Well deserved @MartinSLewis thank you for all you do and how you do it so everyone is able to understand. Lump in my throat while you are doing your speech, so glad you got the respect from all there and bafta.”
“Many congratulations Martin on the award. A brilliant speech your mum would be so proud of you and what you have achieved,” a sixth commented, while another admitted: “Oh Martin, many congratulations on your well-deserved award. You just made me cry.” (sic)