Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis found himself in a heated live interview on Tuesday’s This Morning, leading to an unexpected pause in the show. The ITV daytime programme featured Martin taking calls from viewers and providing financial advice, but tensions escalated when he took issue with the show’s sound team during a live phone call segment.

Hosts Josie Gibson and Dermot O’Leary welcomed Martin onto the show, where he engaged in discussions with viewers and offered money-saving tips amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. However, the atmosphere shifted as Martin directed frustration towards the behind-the-scenes staff, stating, “Can I just tell your sound people, I’m hearing myself back, and it’s very difficult – can you turn it off because I’m struggling slightly.”

Earlier in the show, hosts Josie and Dermot navigated another uncomfortable moment as guests Ashley James and Nick Ferrari clashed over the controversial £8 million government-funded portrait of King Charles. Made In Chelsea star Ashley criticised the expenditure, calling it a “disgrace” during a cost-of-living crisis, while royalist Nick was left momentarily speechless.

King Charles is depicted in full regalia in the new official portrait, set to be displayed in public buildings across the UK as part of the £8 million government-funded initiative. The cost will not be covered by The Crown Estate, with taxpayers footing the bill for the portraits taken last year by photographer Hugo Burnand.

During the discussion, Ashley expressed her disbelief at the allocation of public funds for the portrait amid pressing issues like crumbling schools and record NHS waiting times. She questioned the priorities of the Royal Family and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, highlighting the disparity between their wealth and the struggles faced by working people.

In response, Nick sarcastically thanked Ashley for her “political party broadcast” and defended the tradition of having official portraits of monarchs in government buildings, claiming it is common in many other countries.