Bargain Hunt: The Spotter's Guide to Antiques

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My favourite part of being a Bargain Hunt expert is just being a part of the amazing BH team. It is a dream come true! Sometimes, I look at the contestants standing next to me in the blue or red fleeces, and I just want to run around kissing everyone and shouting, “I’m on Bargain Hunt!” Mostly with the family, doing something outdoorsy, but I love reading and watching films. I snatch short bursts of ‘me time’, usually early in the morning in the week, when I exercise, running with our loopy labrador or doing pilates. I do love a good cook, whether baking or doing a big meal for family and friends. It can be a bit hit and miss with me though, and the children love reminding me of my disasters in the kitchen! It's not known what the 53-year-old auctioneer will be working on next, however, it's clear the presenter will be missed on the BBC show which has been running since 2000. As for the day job, I absolutely love everything about being an auctioneer - from valuation and researching to cataloguing and auctioneering, I genuinely love it. I’m fortunate enough to work around great people where we work very hard, but also have a lot of fun. I think the greatest profit has to be several hundred pounds but I can’t remember exactly! Greatest loss, well there have been more than a few disasters, as in true BH tradition...

BBC One - Bargain Hunt - Tim Weeks BBC One - Bargain Hunt - Tim Weeks

I was co-presenting the BBC’s Street Auction when the boss at Bargain Hunt called me, asking me to consider a screen test. I feel very fortunate to be involved in such a British television institution. It’s what’s at the end of the road that excites and inspires me; meeting new people, hearing their stories and obviously seeing their treasures. Marshmallows. Usually, I eat them secretly when the children aren’t looking, otherwise we would get through hundreds! Having fun and lots of madness with my wife Alexa and two children Albie and Bella. They all boss me around! That is REALLY difficult. I have made so many great contestant friends and there have been so many! I will never forget my team of Olympians though, after the 2012 Olympics. They were the most competitive team I think I have ever had.Throw yourself into it and just make it happen. You have to want to learn, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Get down to your local auction room and experience the buzz - it will inspire you. Charlie appears on television as an antiques expert on the BBC programs Bargain Hunt, Flog It!, Antiques Road Trip and Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is. He is among the four regular presenters on Bargain Hunt. He has conducted the Pebble Beach Vintage Car Auction in California, United States, and the Scottsdale Auction in Arizona for Gooding and Company. Charlie also regularly appears in this role in episodes of the TV show Chasing Classic Cars. I’d probably be a barrister. I tinkered with the idea of doing law but fine art won. I am sure there are some similarities though between holding forth in a courtroom and in a saleroom!

BBC One - Bargain Hunt - Available now BBC One - Bargain Hunt - Available now

Naturally, I would be playing in centre midfield for Arsenal. However, the pull of antiques was just way too strong! Well, it’s always a thrill to explore new places and new antiques fairs that I love. The hardest thing is leaving my family. I usually try and find them a small present if I’ve been on the road for a few days. I love the Builth Wells Antiques Fair - it’s fairly close to home for me and set amongst the gorgeous mid Wales hills, but Westpoint at Exeter is also a great fair with lots of variety. It’s great fun for me to travel north up to the Derbyshire and Yorkshire fairs, as you meet a different bunch of dealers. The Kedleston Fair is in a stupendous setting in the grounds of a beautiful stately house.David began his career in 2005 working for Channel 4's Natural Born Dealers before going on to appear on other TV programmes such as Ready Steady Cook, Through the Keyhole and more. The antiques broker, who also makes appearances on shows such as Cash in the Attic and Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, followed up his initial message to thank his fans for their tweets of support. I try not to anymore! I used to collect loads… football programmes, toys, vinyl, ceramics, but I tend to spend my money on the kids instead of me these days. I always prefer an outside fair, as I like being able to rummage through the larger stalls where it feels like even the stall holder isn’t completely sure what they have. Every time I turn up at a fair I expect to find ‘that’ item which will make my team rich… but I’m still waiting!