Former Stars In Their Eyes host Matthew Kelly has made a brutally honest confession about his finances, admitting that despite being one of ITV’s most recognisable faces in the 90s and 2000s, he’s now still working simply because he spent all his money.
The 74-year-old TV veteran, once dubbed the Ant and Dec of his time, fronted some of the biggest shows on British television, including the legendary Stars In Their Eyes from 1993 to 2004. But in a candid chat on Kate Thornton’s podcast White Wine Question Time, Matthew revealed his savings are long gone — and that his poor money habits are the reason.
“There was money, but it’s all gone,” he said. “The baby Jesus made me rubbish with money, so now I have to keep working — which, actually, is good for me. I need to get out of the house!”
Matthew even joked he was once nicknamed “Muriel Malbec” because of his drinking. But it wasn’t all fun and games. The presenter opened up about his battle with alcohol and credited Loose Women star Denise Welch with helping him give up drinking. Inspired by her 12 years of sobriety, he finally quit after months of heavy boozing — a change that he says has brought noticeable improvements to his life.
Although he wishes he had something put aside for retirement, Matthew says he still enjoys the work — even if he’d rather not be on screen anymore. “I’d love to have some savings,” he admitted, “but I’ve just never been good at it.”
Despite his regrets, the entertainer remains philosophical. “I always saw EastEnders and those shows as my apprenticeship. I’ve always taken chances — and I still do. I love the freedom of jumping between roles.”
Now taking on a variety of acting jobs to stay afloat, Kelly continues to entertain audiences — not for fame, but simply to keep the lights on.
