Michael Underwood, a beloved former children's television presenter, has revealed that he was unexpectedly fired from CBBC in 2001, a secret he has avoided discussing for years. Underwood, now 50 and working as a primary school teacher, shared the story on TikTok while answering fan questions.
The Shocking Dismissal
Underwood began working for CBBC in 1999 but left in 2002 to become a continuity presenter on CITV. He famously hosted the kids' game show Jungle Run for three years and worked as a celebrity reporter on GMTV, a commentator for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, and a stand-in presenter on Good Morning Britain. Despite these successes, he claims his time at CBBC ended abruptly when a new boss told him it was 'time for him to move on.'
In a TikTok video, Underwood recalled: 'I didn't wanna go to ITV. I loved working at CBBC. It's where I started out. I had so many friends there; it was fun going to work every single day. Why would I want to leave?' He explained that a change in management led to meetings with all presenters. During his meeting, the boss said: 'Michael, you are just coming up to your three years at CBBC. I think you've had a great run up to this point, but now I think it's time for you to move on.'
Underwood admitted he was 'gobsmacked' and went 'blank' due to the shock. He said: 'I can't remember what he said. I got up, walked out of the office, and thought, “I've just been fired.”'
Behind-the-Scenes Drama
After the meeting, Underwood went to the 'big boss' who claimed ignorance and promised to look into it. Fellow presenter Angellica Bell, who later became his wife, suggested he call ITV. When he did, ITV offered 'twice the money, plus three new shows guaranteed.' Despite this, Underwood wanted to stay at CBBC.
After working through Christmas, he was called back in January and offered a one-year contract. However, he suspected the presenter boss still didn't want him there. 'What? I sign a year, and he gives me nothing really to do? Doesn't particularly like me? It's not really good for my mental health.' So, Underwood turned down the offer and moved to ITV, where he landed Jungle Run.
Fan Reactions and More Secrets
Underwood's followers urged him to name the boss who fired him. He replied: 'I have no doubt you could find out, it was Autumn 2001.' At that time, Nigel Pickard was Head of Programming for CBBC, who also moved to ITV in February 2003. Dorothy Prior then took over.
Viewers praised Underwood for his honesty. @bethm996 wrote: 'These videos are like full circle, got to watch the shows as a kid and now I get the gossip as a 30 year old.'
In other videos, Underwood revealed he was paid £8,000 a month for presenting Ministry of Mayhem alongside Stephen Mulhern and Holly Willoughby. However, after 40% tax, he admitted he didn't save properly, explaining why many children's TV presenters do panto to cover tax bills.
Underwood has been a teacher since 2020 and as of September 2024 works at King's College School, Wimbledon. The BBC has been contacted for comment.
