Martin Lewis Sparks Pension Uproar as He’s ‘Cut Off’ Live on This Morning

This Morning viewers were left fuming after Tuesday’s episode (March 25), as Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley were accused of constantly interrupting Martin Lewis while he tried to give out what many felt was vital financial advice. The Money Saving Expert, 52, appeared on the ITV show to break down how people could top up their state pension by buying back missing National Insurance years — a time-sensitive opportunity, as the deadline to do so is looming on April 5.

Martin explained that the system changed in 2016, and people can backdate payments as far as 2006. It’s a rare chance to fill in the gaps and potentially boost your pension significantly, reported the Express.

“Nothing is perfect,” Martin told Ben and Cat. “But for most people, especially the nearer you are to state pension age, if you’ve got missing years, you’re not going to get your full state pension. This is a massive win, a no-brainer.”

As the segment started to run short on time, Cat tried to steer things to a close, reassuring viewers that they’d post the info online. But Martin insisted he needed to explain how people could actually do it, calling it “really important.” Thankfully, he was allowed to get through the essentials, but that didn’t stop viewers from sounding off on social media.

One person tweeted, “Please keep quiet and just let Martin talk/explain. #thismorning,” while another mocked Cat’s repeated interruptions: “Cat: yes, mm, yes, yes, how, yes #ThisMorning.” A third viewer joined in, writing, “#thismorning Please stop the presenters butting in on conversations. Ben Shephard shush!!”

It’s not the first time the hosts have been called out for stepping on their guests’ toes, but with something as urgent and potentially life-changing as this advice, the frustration definitely hit a nerve.

Martin also used the platform to remind people to stock up on stamps before Royal Mail’s next price hike in April. From April 7, a standard first-class stamp will rise from £1.65 to £1.70, and a large one will jump from £2.60 to a whopping £3.15. Second-class stamps are going up too, from 85p to 87p, although large second-class ones are staying put at £1.55.

“For years, every time stamps go up in price, I’ve suggested people stock up,” he said. “As long as the stamp just says the class, it’s still valid after the rise.” It might not seem like a huge saving, but as Martin put it, every little helps — just let the man speak next time!