Martin Lewis gave viewers of the National Television Awards a stark warning about the cost of living crisis as he picked up the gong for expert.

The money saving expert has been widely praised for giving valuable advice as household costs skyrocketed, and beat stars Sir David Attenborough, Kaleb Cooper, and Jay Blades for his show.

Accepting the award, he said: ‘It’s been a pretty horrible year financially. I mean, the energy crisis has been disastrous and left many people with terrible issues and mental health problems.

‘I’m afraid the next year with the mortgage problem and the knock-on to rent is going to be pretty bad. And you know what? We need somebody to get a grip on the economy and put things a little bit back.’

Martin went on to say: ‘But I shall leave that for my show which is back on next week. Tonight this nerd is gonna party.’

The star added afterwards: ‘It’s so bittersweet because of the current situation that we’re in but I’m very grateful and happy.

Martin Lewis has been widely praised (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

’Being Prime Minister: That is a job that my mental health is not robust to deal with. I would rather have my nipples wired. ‘

The finance expert has become a regular on British TV in recent years as he gives advice on how best to handle your income and savings, which has become all the more important in the current cost of living crisis and unprecedented pandemic.

At the beginning of this year, Martin was revealed to have been awarded a CBE – Commander of the Order of the British Empire – in the late Queen Elizabeth II’s final New Year’s Honours.

He told the PA News Agency in January that he was ‘gobsmacked’ to be made CBE – and almost missed out after Buckingham Palace sent his nomination to an old address.

‘I was genuinely very surprised. I knew some people had nominated me but it was way past the time when you’re supposed to receive a letter,’ he said.

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‘We need somebody to get a grip on the economy.’