Matthew Kelly has confessed he is still working after spending all of his TV earnings.
The presenter, 74, is best known for appearing on a number of ITV ‘s biggest shows in the 90s and 00s, including the much-loved Stars in Their Eyes. The show, which ran from 1993 to 2004 became a staple for the channel and catapulted Matthew to stardom across the country.
But despite having a regular income thanks to the show for at least 11 years, Matthew admitted that none of the savings he built up during that time are there anymore. He made the stark confession as he chatted with former X Factor host Kate Thornton.
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The radio presenter had brought Matthew onto her White Wine Question Time podcast, which was released earlier this week. In the episode, Matthew candidly opened up about his lack of financial security, confessing that he should have left some money aside for him to use in his later years.
(Image: BBC)
He also said that he had developed a drinking problem which also impacted his money situation. Opening up, he said: “Well, you see, luckily, the baby Jesus made me rubbish with money, so I have to keep working, which is a very good thing for me. I need to get out of the house!”
An awestruck Kate commended him for his “refreshing” take on working into old age. However, Matthew soon said that he would rather not be working in television anymore, but has to do it to pay the bills.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Well, I’m not that pleased with it, really,” he explained. “You know, I’m just s**t at it, that’s all. You know, I would love to have a bit put by.”
Matthew was then likened to the Ant and Dec of his time, appearing on a slew of other shows at the height of his career, with Stars in Their Eyes as the crown jewel. When asked where his money had gone, cheerful Matthew had a simple answer.
(Image: Granada Television)
“Well, there was money, but it’s all gone,” Matthew insisted. “Well, actually, do you know what? I did read in one article how much I was supposed to be getting per episode.”
He continued: “And I thought, “oh, if only!” you know. And you read it, but in actual fact, I was being paid very well. So it’s not as if you could go ‘Excuse me, I think you’ll find that I’m only being paid a fraction of that!’ but even the fraction you know was pretty good.”
(Image: Granada Television)
He also opened up on his drinking habits, adding that it was Loose Women star Denise Welch who managed to get him off the habit. Denise, who herself has battled against alcoholism in the public eye, has been sober for twelve years – a feat that inspired Matthew to give up the sauce.
After three months of incessant benders, Matthew admitted he needed to stop drinking and has not looked back since. He added that even in his daily life he continues to feel the positive effects of dropping the drink.
(Image: ITV)
“For me it’s been about it’s been more than six months,” he beamed. “On the other hand, the company I was with before used to call me Muriel Malbec, so I thought it’s about time I changed!”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
