IT was the most shocking betrayal of her extensive career to date.
But Angellica Bell remained silent on her sacking from The Martin Lewis Money Show for months - until now.
The telly favourite broke down in tears in the Celebrity Big Brother house this week as she addressed her axing for the first time.
Now pals tell The Sun that Angellica found the whole experience "cathartic" and that she is proud she was able to be vulnerable in the Diary Room.
Explaining why she chose to speak up now, a source said: "Angellica felt like the whole thing was a betrayal and has been dealing with it silently this whole time.
"It was really cathartic for her to talk about it on CBB and it enabled her to really move on from it.
"It was a horrible period of her life but she has much more to look forward to now and she hopes that by being vulnerable on TV she has inspired others to be open with their feelings."
The source added: "Angellica had no plans on talking about Martin or the fall out from the show but over the past few weeks grew in confidence and felt comfortable enough to open up to Big Brother."
The Sun revealed in November how Angellica was all set to return to film series 13 of the hit show last October , only to be unceremoniously ditched by uptight bosses - just days before filming began.
It was a horrible period of her life and a real betrayal
Producers claimed her decision to appear on Channel 5's The Gadget Show - freshly rebranded as Shop Smart, Save Money - represented a conflict of interest.
However, insiders insist to The Sun bosses were aware of Angelica's decision to take part in the show, including name changes of the rival programme, throughout the whole process.
Rather than announce her exit via a statement, the programme never referenced the shake-up.
Angellica has been on the show since 2017 and helped the programme receive a nomination for a TV BAFTA.
A source close to the show said at the time: "Everyone is stunned by the move - no one saw it coming.
"Angellica has been an integral part of the show since 2017 so for her to be bumped off air with no warning is crazy.
"Staff have naturally been talking and find the whole thing really awkward and unfair, but Martin is trying to keep out of it as it wasn't up to him."
A show insider added: “Angellica was a valued part of the team having joined in series seven, but, given the importance of maintaining a clear, individual and distinct identity for the show it was felt that her new role meant she would not be offered a new contract to continue on the Martin Lewis Money Show Live.
“The Martin Lewis Money Show Live production team did not become aware that Angelica's new show would be called Shop Smart, Save Money until that programme was announced to the media in late September, with filming for it involving Angelllica having already started prior to that.
“An amicable discussion was held with her regarding the situation.“
Speaking in the Diary Room earlier this week, the CBBC legend said: "CBB is probably the best thing I've done in a long time.
"Before I came in here, I was a little bit scared.
"The press were asking if I'd talk about the Martin Lewis show and stuff.
"It took me a long time to get over that.
"I'm so grateful to all the audience that messaged me about it and also to other celebrities who contacted me and stuff.
"It was those messages and support that got me through.
"That's why I wanted to come on the show to tap into my old self.
"It has taken a long, long time.
"I think I've found myself again being here. Every cloud."
Celebrity Big Brother is back for a brand new series, with a whole host of stars set to live it up in the famous compound.
Here's the FULL line-up of star housemates:
Trisha Goddard - Talk show host - EVICTED SECOND
Mickey Rourke - Hollywood actor - REMOVED
Donna Preston - comedian and TV star
JoJo Siwa - influencer and singer
Chris Hughes - Love Island hunk
Jack P. Shepherd - Coronation Street star
Patsy Palmer - EastEnders legend - EVICTED SIXTH
Daley Thompson - Olympic athlete - EVICTED THIRD
Chesney Hawkes - 90s singer
Ella Rae Wise - Towie star - EVICTED FIFTH
Michael Fabricant - former Tory politician - EVICTED FIRST
Angellica Bell - former CBBC presenter - EVICTED FOURTH
Danny Beard - Drag queen and Britain's Got Talent star
