While some people might consider taking things easy as they get into their Second Act, The One Show host Angellica Bell is only just getting started.
She made the brave leap from children’s TV to appearing on Celebrity Masterchef in 2017, wowing the judges. “It was the first thing I had ever won,” she tells Ateh Jewel on this week’s HELLO! Second Act podcast.
That kickstarted the now 50-year-old to push herself with new challenges.
"I quite like that feeling of being out of my comfort zone. It is quite addictive, especially if, you know you can do something and get the result.
© PA“I've learned to ride a bike as an adult. I learned to swim as an adult. I'm looking for a cello now... I took my grade three a couple of years ago, so I'm all about carpe diem. Seize the moment."
This mindset was instilled in her earlier on in life, after the death of close friends during her twenties made her realise you need to make the most of everyday.
Angellica had been due to pursue a career in law, with a close barrister friend offering her a placement, before they suddenly died. The shock propelled Angellica to switch paths and embark on a career in TV instead.
© PA“That was the first time I just thought, okay, if I'm going to make dreams happen, I’ve got to get on with this and make things work for me... I've got to live now."
The lessons learnt in her successful 26-year-career she is happy to pass on to the next generation as a patron of Girguilding. She will host their Big Gig on October 10th.
“I think we need to encourage young people, young girls, to understand there's so much power in being individual,” says the mother of two.
The former consumer presenter also wants to teach young people the value of money.
“When you learn to spend your own money, your attitude changes. I didn't have a pair of Adidas or Nike trainers until I had a job. Whereas now young people are like, that's just the norm.”
She saved rather than splurged her first CBBC paycheck so she could buy her first house - and this frugal trait served her well over the years when she hit a lean patch and struggled to cover the mortgage.
“There was a moment where I've nearly had to sell my house. I've been on my knees, but I've been on TV, and people wouldn't know that,” she reveals.
“When that kicks in. You're like, well, I have to pivot. I think what women don't give themselves enough credit for is that we are adapting at so many stages of our lives, and it's incredible... So there's been so many times where I've thought maybe the second act is here, or the third act or the fourth act... I'm proud of myself. We don't say we're proud of ourselves enough."
Angellica Bell is an ambassador for Girlguiding, the UK's largest youth organisation for girls, and hosts their Big Gig at Wembley Arena on October 10.
Listen to the Second Act podcast, now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts and Youtube.
