CBBC star Angellica Bell breaks down in tears as she admits she feels like she ‘failed a generation’ while reflecting on her early career

CBBC star Angellica Bell broke down in tears as she admitted that she feels like she ‘failed a generation’ during an emotional interview on Tuesday.

The radio and TV presenter, 48, was speaking on HITS Radio with Fleur East where they discussed her career and black representation.

Angellica – who is best known for her presenting on CBBC between 2000 and 2006 – spoke about the influence she had and how important it was for black children to be represented on TV at that time.

But as she began speaking she confessed that sometimes she feels like she didn’t do ‘enough’ for those kids.   

She said: ‘I didn’t realise the impact of being on CBBC at that time.

The radio and TV presenter, 48, was speaking on HITS Radio with Fleur East where they discussed her career and black representation

‘There was this guy, and he was like ‘Angelica, you were my childhood’. 

‘And I’m grateful for those experiences and maybe the tough times that I went through where I was trying to work out who I was I’m like ‘actually, it was worth it’.’

Fleur kindly then responded saying: ‘And like you said, you weren’t comfortable to wear braids and things like that in the beginning and maybe if you did you maybe wouldn’t be in the position you are now. 

‘You just being on TV, for all the young black kids just watching you on TV gave people hope. 

‘Maybe if you’d had more of an example before you got in that position, you’d could’ve stepped into who you are a lot sooner. 

‘Thank you, on behalf of a whole generation.’

In tears Angellica then replied: ‘Sometimes I think I failed. Sometimes I think that I haven’t done enough…’

Fleur reassured Angellica saying: ‘Never ever think that you haven’t done enough. You’ve done more than enough.’

Angellica – who is best known for her presenting on CBBC between 2000 and 2006 – spoke about the influence she had and how important it was for Black children to be represented on TV at that time (Fleur East seen)

But as she began speaking she confessed that sometimes she feels like she didn’t do ‘enough’ for those kids (seen with co-hosts Jake Humphrey and Simon Grant)

In tears Angellica then replied: ‘Sometimes I think I failed. Sometimes I think that I haven’t done enough…’

A video of the interview was shared on TikTok with fans rushing to support her

Fans on TikTok agreed with Fleur. One wrote: ‘Angelica and June Sarpong deserve all their flowers for young black girls we looked up to them so much.’.

‘She did so much at a time where representations was limited!’.

‘I don’t remember many presenters from my childhood to be honest but Angelica Bell is one that I do always always remember. Such a shame she feels like she failed when so many of us loved watching her.’,

‘Shout out, Angelica. you were 100% the best part about CBBC as a kid. thank you for making me feel visible on TV x.’,

‘Angelica being on TV was even important for me even as a South Asian female. Seeing any people of colour is so important for all people of colour.’ 

Fleur reassured Angellica saying: ‘Never ever think that you haven’t done enough. You’ve done more than enough’