Martin Lewis has called on “somebody to get a grip on the economy” as he won the expert award at the National Television Awards.

The consumer champion admitted he was surprised to win the prize after being nominated against veteran broadcaster and environmentalist Sir David Attenborough, and also praised the other nominees, The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades and farming contractor Kaleb Cooper.

Collecting his prize at the ceremony at London’s OVO Wembley Arena, Lewis said: “It’s been a pretty horrible year financially.

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“I mean, the energy crisis has been disastrous and left many people with terrible issues and mental health problems.

“I’m afraid the next year, with the mortgage problem and the knock-on to rent, is going to be pretty bad. And you know what? We need somebody to get a grip on the economy and put things a little bit back.”

The Northern Echo: Picture: PAPicture: PA (Image: PA)

Lewis previously said mortgages were a “ticking timebomb” if UK interest rate rises follow market predictions.

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He was speaking at the National Television Awards on Thursday (October 13) evening.

Other winners include Sir Lenny Henry who scooped the special recognition award, and Ant and Dec who picked up the Best Presenter gong for the 21st consecutive year despite them having tested positive for covid and not being able to collect their prize in person.

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! picked up the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award, beating Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, Taskmaster and The Graham Norton Show to take the title.

Meanwhile the talent show judge category was awarded to Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke, seeing off competition from David Walliams, Mo Gilligan and RuPaul.

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