Martin Lewis has said "I won't apologise" after a critic slammed his ITV show. The Martin Lewis Money Show star hit back at a troll on Twitter, now X, on Thursday - two days on from his pre-Christmas special episode airing from 8pm to 9pm on ITV 1 and also on ITV X too.

"I cover an audience of millions. Some of my stuff is technical and only for the savvy. Others are mainstream for a very broad church. We have a huge financial capability problem in the UK. We also have many who struggle with impulse control. Companies spend billions on marketing and advertising to try to make us spend," Mr Lewis said.

"Buy Now Pay Later firms are now ubiquitous as they make people buy more. I won't apologise for a 20 second memo, that may just give some people a pause for thought as a counter message." He was replying on Twitter/X after a fan said: "ffs. Sometimes your stuff is pretty on point and can be supportive.

READ MORE Met Office breaks silence over incoming snow blast with 'whole of UK' getting it

"Then i see stuff like this which is just like telling a 4 year old to bounce a ball!!! *not seen whole segment." Sian replied to the critic saying: "I don’t think you realise what a problem personal debt is into UK. @MartinSLewis does a great job to help people - like me - manage their budget better, so a cautionary note at this time of year on not overspending is relevant to most people."

"A friend of mine once said to me that " buying 3 for 2 is actually spending to save" and that has always stuck in my mind," said another. Farsight said: "Michael sounds like he has a capability problem, too. The capability to imagine himself in literally anyone else's shoes! I'm really glad you posted that reminder. Sure, it's somewhat tongue-in-cheek and silly, but it's deadly serious and needed. We need more of it, not less."

Simon said: "Bargain. He’s just had his arse handed to him for free. Some people pay good money for that sort of thing." Gav said: "Can’t agree more. This stuff really should be part of primary and secondary school education. Basic taxes, finance and banking should be core common."