Martel Maxwell is enjoying the glamour of joining Homes Under the Hammer

MARTEL MAXWELL, a journalist, author and Evening Telegraph columnist, was unveiled earlier this year as a new presenter on Homes Under the Hammer.

Dundee-based Martel revealed the “hectic” behind-the-scenes schedule she has as a presenter of the hit daytime TV show. Mum-of-three Martel told the Evening Telegraph: “The average call time for filming at the first house is 10am, which feels like a lie-in considering my kids are up at 5.15am every day.

“The schedule involves giving first impressions of the home, six pieces to camera walking down the street or inside and interviews with whoever has purchased the property.

“That’s the bit I find really interesting as that’s when you get to hear the stories behind the purchase, some of which are incredibly heartwarming.”

While the life of a TV presenter might seem luxurious, Martel said it’s less getting pampered and more nipping to the supermarket in-between filming!

“There are no hair and make-up artists on set as many people like to think and it’s a case of grabbing a quick sandwich from Tesco and going on to the next location — we call it the glamour of the hammer!”

Martel took over from presenter Lucy Alexander, who left the show last year after more than a decade, joining Martin Roberts and Dion Dublin in the new-look line-up.

Martel got her new presenting gig thanks to a member of BBC recruitment staff remembering a quirky fact about her life.

She said: “It was down to someone at the BBC remembering that my husband and I had built our own property pretty much from scratch.

“The show got in touch and I had a screen test before they offered me the job. The shortlist was vast with all sorts of presenters and estate agents applying.

“I am so chuffed as I got the job when I was heavily pregnant and many people say you don’t get the same opportunities after having children, so to be given this chance is amazing.”