Matt Allwright on wife, kids and ‘protecting’ his family from TV fame
Matt Allwright has kept his private life away from the spotlight (Image: BBC)
For years, Matt Allwright has been a recognisable presence on British television. Building a reputation for uncovering scams and championing consumers through popular programmes such as the BBC’s Rogue Traders and Watchdog, Matt – who also presents his own daily programme on Channel 5 – initially rose to prominence on TV from 2001.
While audiences recognise him for his bold journalism and straightforward manner on screen, his existence beyond the cameras paints a markedly different picture. From an understated wedding in Gretna Green and a honeymoon in Glasgow to his carefully protected family life and surprising passion for music, the presenter has disclosed a more intimate side through the years. As well as being a dedicated husband and father, Matt possesses a hidden talent that many may be unaware of. We’ve explored his life in detail, reports the Mirror.
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Wedding bells
Matt spoke openly about his wedding a few years back (Image: BBC)
Back in 2016, Matt previously spoke candidly about his marriage and where he exchanged vows.
Speaking to the Sunday Post, he revealed at the time: “My wife and I got married in Gretna and honeymooned in Glasgow. Looking back, we could have gone to islands like Skye or Arran.
“But I was so pleased we did it at Gretna because the people were so lovely. The photographer and the receptionist were our witnesses.”
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Offering additional insight into his honeymoon, he stated: “As for our honeymoon destination, I wouldn’t have changed Glasgow for the world. We stayed in a place near the Botanic Gardens and everything about our stay was magical.
“We went to some lovely restaurants and had some great nights out.”
Family
Matt has two children (Image: BBC)
Although Matt keeps much of his personal life fairly out of the spotlight, according to reports and previous interviews, Matt also shares two children with his wife.
Speaking about his approach to parenting, he said: “I’ve always found that when they’re old enough to ask, they’re old enough to know. Also, that vegetable double bluff thing where you say, ‘Whatever you do, don’t eat those carrots!’ stops working after the age of six.”
Beyond this, he has also spoken candidly about keeping his two children off social media due to his role on Rogue Traders, telling the Belfast Telegraph: “I do whatever I can to protect my family. That’s the most important thing. Also, I think once you put them (the family) out there, you can’t ask for them back, especially now because everything’s online.
“The kids didn’t ask to be born into a family with a dad that goes and confronts people, so I’m never going to assume that they are happy to be part of that.”
Hidden Talents
Matt lives an active lifestyle away from the cameras (Image: BBC)
While he is best known for his television work, many may be surprised to learn that Matt is also a passionate musician.
On his website, Matt wrote: “I have making music of one sort or another since I was tiny. I’ve been recording and performing live on my pedal steel guitar since 2017. Not long, really. Pedal Steel is the world’s most difficult instrument, and I play it with Band of Hope and others. I’ll do it for you if you like.
“Davie McGirr came up with the idea of playing and touring for Alzheimer’s Research. With him and a couple of friends we formed The Walnuts. We’ve performed across the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Holland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. We get about.”
Beyond this, Matt maintains an energetic lifestyle, regularly kayaking, cycling and playing tennis.
