Former Gogglebox star Sandra Martin has revealed how she affords her lavish holidays despite her financial situation.
The TV star became a fan favourite on the Channel 4 show when she appeared between 2013 and 2017. She appeared alongside best friend Sandi Bogle, but has shared how she's gone from having "everything paid for" by Gogglebox to being unemployed. Sandra lived in temporary accommodation and has had to flog merchanise to pay for food.
She has admitted she is "broke" and lives on Universal Credit. Online trolls have hit out at Sandra over her financial situation as she enjoys lavish trips abroad. However, Sandra has shared the holidays to Ibiza, Amsterdam and Portugal were actually gifts from fans. Sandra has enjoyed five holidays since Christmas Day and is heading off to Malta soon.
She has branded it a "miracle" that her fans want to spend money on her. Sandra has claimed her life was transformed by appearing on Gogglebox and the show "paid for everything". “I could have bought a house with all the money I made but I gave it away, I took care of my family and friends," she told The Sun.
Sandra admitted she didn't like wearing the same outfit twice and would pay for meals and food for her friends. She "ate good, got her hair done and got taxis everywhere". Sandra admitted she "could have spent more wisely" but didn't want to be "miser and tight". Her time on Gogglebox came to an end in 2017, with co-star Sandi leaving the year before to appear on Celebrity Big Brother. She stayed on the show with daughter Chanchez but admitted she "didn’t want to sit and watch shows about sex with my daughter".
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The TV star said some habits from her time on the show has remained such as regularly having takeaways. “Gogglebox spoiled me rotten,” she said. “Even now I’m affected by it, I don’t cook anymore." Sandra revealed she hasn't cooked in six years and eats takeaways still, like she did on the show.
Fans even send takeaways to Sandra and she gets free food when going into cafes and restaurants. Sandra is currently out of work as she struggles with ill health. She also told the publication that "normal" jobs are off-limits due to her fame. The TV star has previously worked as a postwoman, chambermaid, market seller and her last job being a cleaner at a train station.
Sandra said she is now "booked up until next year" with free trips and celebrity events. She admitted: “I’ve gone from Brixton to the BAFTAs to benefits and now I’m broke but at least I’m happy and busy even though I’m technically homeless, have no money or anything."
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