'This Morning' hosts surprised as former TV presenter Michael Underwood reveals he's now a teacher

Amy Johnson

Michael Underwood surprised This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield and the show’s viewers on Tuesday as he shared on the programme that he is now a teacher.

Underwood, who is known for presenting stints on CBBC as well as CITV, appeared on the show from the school he works at to promote a children's writing competition alongside TV star wife Angellica Bell.

Schofield remarked: "Michael, I had no idea. You're a teacher! Are you at school now?

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"I am at school right now, my class is here," Underwood, 44, confirmed before turning the camera round to his pupils. "Say hello, boys."

Michael Underwood appeared on This Morning live from his classroom. (Photo by Dave M. Benett/Getty Images)
Michael Underwood appeared on This Morning live from his classroom. (Photo by Dave M. Benett/Getty Images)

Explaining his career move, Underwood shared: "At university that's the degree I did, a teaching degree, originally."

After moving into television once he graduated, Underwood worked in children's TV and acted as host for shows such as The Big Bang, Jungle Run and Ministry of Mayhem.

He told the hosts he returned to teaching when "work was quiet" for him while Bell was "flying in her career".

Michael Underwood, Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern arrive at the British Academy Children's Film And Television Awards in association with The Lego Company, at the Hilton Hotel on November 30, 2003 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Finn/Getty Images)
Michael Underwood, Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern arrive at the British Academy Children's Film And Television Awards in association with The Lego Company, at the Hilton Hotel on November 30, 2003 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Finn/Getty Images)

"I started to think about using the skillset that I’ve developed over the years and put it into something like teaching. I decided to go for it," he shared.

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Schofield wasn't the only one who wasn't in the know as This Morning's Lizzy Cundy also shared her surprise at Underwood's new profession.

She tweeted: "My old buddy Michael Underwood is a teacher !!! Wow I never knew !! Incredible !! And what a great competition 500 words #ThisMorning.”

TV presenter Angelica Bell and Michael Underwood attends the UK film premiere of 'Salt' at the Empire Leicester Square on August 16, 2010 in London, England.
TV presenter Angelica Bell and Michael Underwood attends the UK film premiere of 'Salt' at the Empire Leicester Square on August 16, 2010 in London, England.

Fans at home were taken aback by the news too, as one remarked: "Michael Underwood is now a teacher?! #thismorning."

"Omg he’s a teacher? Wow #thismorning," said another.

On Tuesday, Underwood and Bell, who are parents to two children, launched a new 500 Words kid's writing competition which aims to open up the conversion about Black Lives Matter across the UK.

500 Words was initially developed by Chris Evans in 2011 and is the largest story writing competition for children in the UK.

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