Former This Morning star Holly Jay-Smith claims she was 'bullied out of her contract' by an ITV producer after undergoing surgery for bone tumours

Former This Morning star Holly Jay-Smith has claimed that she was 'bullied out of her contract' by a producer after having surgery for bone tumours. 

The money saving expert, 38, disappeared from TV and social media in September last year and later announced she had undergone an operation to have her tibia reconstructed.  

Holly never returned to the TV show where she was known for giving viewers the best tips to save money. 

Sharing an update to X the week in a bid to 'set the record straight', she said the experience left her 'mentally ill.'

Holly explained: 'Let me set the record straight: I wasn't axed from a certain TV show because of my bone tumours.

'I was bullied by a newly promoted producer for asking for autistic adaptions, she tried to trick me into signing out of my contract early, and my complaints were ignored.'

She added: 'The therapist they provided was pure damage control. Some might not believe me or wonder why I'm speaking out now.'

'I'm now in possession of recordings that will reveal the truth if they try and take me to court. So for now this is the Coupon Queen over and out. Not associated with any coupon expert on TV.

'I will say no more on this matter on my socials. This experience left me mentally ill for months, especially when they came after my brand.

'The saddest part is that what started as a dream come true ended up as a nightmare. This kind of mistreatment is happening on MANY shows, not just one, and it's completely unacceptable.' 

MailOnline has contacted ITV for comment.  

In January, Holly shared a shocking health update with her followers on Instagram as she revealed why she disappeared from social media. 

Sharing a photo of her lying in a hospital bed, hooked up to various machines as she shared the news that she has been recovering from surgery after finding out she had two bone tumours in her left leg. 

Holly told her followers she is ready to put 2023 behind her after a painful few months. 

She wrote: 'I wanted to post this now as I’m ready to put 2023 behind me. A few months ago I found out I had two bone tumours in my left leg which had caused major destruction in my lower tibia.' 

The TV personality added: 'It was months of bed rest, tests and pain before I could have surgery. (I wasn’t in a good place so I decided to come off social media).'

Holly was sent to the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham for surgery which involved having her tibia reconstructed.

She continued: 'Less than 2 weeks ago I had surgery at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham (where surgeons reconstructed my tibia with metal work and donor bone). 

'I’m not going to lie, the pain is bad and walking might be an issue for a while but I want to get back to what I love (saving money!) So here’s to 2024 and lots of trips to Birmingham (but on the bright side I hear they have a good Primark!)'

The mother-of-four is best known for her appearances on This Morning where she gives viewers the best tips to save money.

Holly hadn't been seen on social media since September, and fans rushed to sent their support to the star as they took to the comments. 

One wrote: 'Oh love. Sending so much love to you. You’re so strong how you get through these tough times and come back better than ever.'

A second added: 'Sending you and the family all my love and well wishes take your time and get back to us soon' and a third chimed: 'Wishing you a speedy recovery'. 

Fellow This Morning colleagues Chloe Carmichael also sent her love as she wrote: 'Wishing you a quick recovery Holly' and Lynsey Crombie penned: 'Get well soon'.