BBC TV star furious after falling victim to 'heartless and cruel scam'

Songs of Praise host Pam Rhodes has revealed she’s been a victim to a scam, costing her £14,000.

The TV presenter, who has been hosting Songs of Praise for more than 30 years, said she has been targeted in a “heartless and cruel way”.

Pam explained she bought an adapted bed and mattress for £14,000 in May, but the furniture has yet to arrive.

The 75-year-old claimed she’s not had her money back and been ignored by the retailer after attempting to get in touch.

She told The Sun: “Our furniture never arrived, and all enquiries got nowhere.

“How heartless and cruel to target vulnerable older people in this way.”

She continued by explaining how she and her husband paid the hefty price for mobility furniture to “make life easier for us as we grow older”.

She continued: “Now I know we are just one example of many whose savings and sense of well-being were devastated by this company.”

The publication claims the firm admitted some orders were late but said customers had been refunded.

Pam and her husband married in July 2003 after meeting at a jive class, and share eight children from previous relationships.

The couple have been running a cattery for several years, rehoming and caring for RSPCA cats.

In a 2011 interview, Pam spoke of the success of Songs of Praise, more than 50 years after it was first broadcast.

She told the BBC: “I think it remains so popular because it is more than just "television". People may switch on for the hymns, but what they often remember most are the people who speak so generously and candidly in between the hymns.

“These aren't professional speakers. They are just ordinary people who speak about their very human experience in a way, which touches viewers at home, who may often identify in their own way with the story on screen.

“Viewers are challenged and encouraged by what they hear and definitely reassured to hear how faith has provided great strength during difficult times.”

Songs of Praise first aired in 1961, and seen a presenting line-up including Eamonn Holmes, Bill Turnbull, Dan Walker, Alan Titchmarsh, Katherine Jenkins, Brenda Edwards, JB Gill and Sean Fletcher.

Songs of Praise is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.