MARTIN Lewis has been branded “difficult” by backstage staff on ITV’S Good Morning Britain.
The consumer rights champion, 53, came under fire last week when he stormed the set of the ratings-challenged telly show and berated opposition leader Kemi Badenoch.
Viewers were mortified by the outburst — but sources say this kind of behaviour is nothing new from Martin… they’re just shocked he did it front of an audience.
“Martin’s reputation with the public is vastly different to how he is known for behaving by those he works with backstage,” a source told The Sun.
“He’s notorious for being rude and thinking he’s always right. He can be a very intimidating figure.
“He means well, but he’s very pedantic about how he wants things done and that can cause hostility.
“Even experienced producers across daytime find him difficult to deal with.
“The only surprise about his behaviour with Kemi is that it happened on-screen. It’s as if the mask has finally slipped
“For years, Martin has been praised by the public and become a fan favourite on ITV, but he got this one badly wrong.
“In Martin’s mind, he was seizing the opportunity to get a face-to-face with Ms Badenoch and looked like a hero as he stood up for hard done by students struggling to repay their loans.
“While his point was valid, the way in which he delivered it was totally wrong.”
However, another source said: “Martin is a consummate professional. He may come across as a little brusque on occasion but that’s because he always strives for perfection.”
An ITV spokesman said: “We don’t recognise this behaviour. Martin is a valued contributor and presenter as well as being a highly regarded and respected voice for the viewer.”
