A Former Children’s TV Presenter Shares His Unexpected Departure from CBBC
Michael Underwood, a former children’s television presenter who once captivated the nation with his work on CBBC, has finally opened up about being unexpectedly “fired” from the channel. Now in his 50s and working as a primary school teacher, he recently reflected on his career through a series of TikTok videos where he answered fan questions.
Michael began his journey with CBBC in 1999 and remained there until 2002 when he transitioned to CITV, a channel that eventually shut down after over four decades of operation. He became well-known for hosting the popular game show Jungle Run and also worked as a celebrity reporter on GMTV, a commentator for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, and as a stand-in presenter on Good Morning Britain. Despite his successful career, he revealed that his time at CBBC came to an abrupt end when bosses told him it was “time for him to move on.”
In one of his TikTok videos, Michael discussed his decision to leave CBBC and move to ITV. He admitted that he didn’t want to go to ITV, saying, “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 recalled how his departure unfolded behind the scenes. At the time, there were two bosses: one in charge of presenters and another overseeing the entire channel. When the presenter boss changed, he arranged meetings with all the presenters, which wasn’t unusual. Michael was close to contract renewal, so it was normal for them to discuss more money and responsibility. However, during his meeting, the new 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.”
Michael was shocked by the statement, admitting he went “gobsmacked” and “spaced out.” He couldn’t remember what he said during the meeting, only that he got up, walked out, and thought, “I’ve just been fired.”
Afterward, he went to see the big boss, who he had known for years. He told him, “I think I’ve just been fired.” The boss replied, “What do you mean? I know nothing about this. Leave it with me.” Michael did as instructed and then went back to the studio, where he shared the news with Angellica Bell. She suggested, “If the BBC don’t want you, why don’t you go to ITV?”
Michael took her advice and called ITV, who offered him “twice the money, plus three new shows guaranteed,” which he described as an “amazing offer.” However, he wanted to stay at CBBC. He continued working through the Christmas period, and in January, he was called back in for another meeting.
During this meeting, he was praised for his work over the festive season and was offered a one-year contract to stay. He realized the big boss had spoken to the presenter boss and insisted they keep him. But the presenter boss didn’t like him and didn’t want him there. Michael decided to turn down the offer and move to ITV instead.
“I decided to move and go to ITV,” he said. “But here’s the good thing. If I hadn’t gone to ITV, I wouldn’t have got Jungle Run!” This unexpected move ultimately led to his most famous role.
In the comments section of his video, fans asked Michael to name the boss who gave him the ultimatum. He responded, “I have no doubt you could find out, it was Autumn 2001 🙊.” At the time, Nigel Pickard was the Head of Programming for CBBC, and he later moved to ITV in 2003. Dorothy Prior took over as Head of Children’s Production in 1999.
Viewers praised Michael for his honesty, with one comment stating, “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, Michael has shared more secrets, such as revealing he was paid £8,000 a month for his work on Ministry of Mayhem, alongside Stephen Mulhern and Holly Willoughby. While his £120k-a-year salary seemed impressive, he admitted he had to pay 40% tax and didn’t save anything during his twenties. He explained, “So many children’s TV presenters do panto because they probably had a tax bill to pay at the end of January.”
Since 2020, Michael has been working as a teacher, announcing his retirement from presenting when work dried up. However, he continues his weekend morning slot on Virgin Radio. In September 2024, he announced on LinkedIn that he was starting a new full-time position as a form teacher at King’s College School, Wimbledon.
The BBC has been contacted for comment. If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, you can get in touch with the team via email, phone, or their Submit Stuff page.
