麻豆约拍

How do you find life on the road?

I love the adventure of life on the road, visiting new places, meeting new people and sometimes having a few hiccups along the way that we can all laugh about afterwards. The wonderful Bargain Hunt family is huge and so you might not see someone for a year, but when you do you pick up where you left off, it’s great.

What is the favourite part of your role?

As both an auctioneer and a Bargain Hunt expert, it’s all about the people and the fun we have along the way. When you really do spot that hidden treasure and you know it’s going to make a great profit and you then see the excitement and delight on the contestants’ (and clients’) faces as it goes under the hammer at auction – it’s simply wonderful!

Why did you choose a career in antiques?

If I’m totally honest I fell into the antiques industry. Upon completion of my geography degree at Durham University I realised I had no clue what I wanted to do. I got a part-time job in a vintage shop while I “figured” out what my future might hold for me; nine months later and I was none the wiser. My mum suggested I do some work experience at a local auction house. After two weeks’ work experience the auction house offered me a job and the rest, as they say, is history.

What would you do for a living if you weren’t working in the antiques trade?

I have absolutely no idea – no doubt something very boring, wishing I was doing something as exciting as antiques! That being said, I’ve always liked the idea of having my own café serving good locally sourced, seasonal food.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to work in antiques?

Ask your local auction house to give you a couple of weeks’ work experience – you might just get a full-time job offer at the end of it!

How did you get involved in Bargain Hunt?

I’d been doing the 麻豆约拍’s Antiques Road Trip for a year, and one day I got a call from the series producer of Bargain Hunt asking if I’d like to join the Bargain Hunt family. I couldn’t say yes fast enough and here I am.

Who has been your most memorable Bargain Hunt team?

I remember all of my teams and they have all been fantastic and great fun, but the teams from my very first weekend of filming Bargain Hunt will always hold a special place in my heart – especially as it was pouring with rain. We all got totally drenched and yet we still had such a laugh.

Which fairs do you particularly like shopping at when Bargain Hunting?

Each and every fair is different and offers something special, and I’ve loved every fair I’ve been to so far. There are many fairs still for me to visit but for a day out I would say Ripley Castle was a lovely fair; it had a great vibe, it wasn’t too big so as to feel overwhelming, everyone was super friendly and to top it all the sun shone all weekend. But for Bargain Hunting? Probably one of the ‘biggies’ as there’s loads of variety.

What’s the most profit / greatest loss you’ve made at auction?

On Bargain Hunt, profit-wise it’s got to be the Charles Horner brooch that made over £100 profit. Greatest loss? I’ve honestly no idea as I’m a positive person and don’t like to dwell on negatives.

What is your biggest guilty pleasure?

Food, definitely food. I love really good Italian and Asian food, and I can’t resist a flat white coffee and pastry if I pass an independent bakery.

How do you spend your free time?

I play the viola in several Bristol orchestras, and I’m part of a string quartet, so we often have weddings and gigs. When I’m not playing, I like to socialise with my friends, go out for dinner, go on walks, visit new places, attempt to grow flowers and veggies, or on the very rare occasion I have a free 30 minutes, sit with a coffee and a book outside.

Do you collect anything?

Until recently I’ve been in a house-share so I’ve not had the space to collect anything. I’m currently using hand-me-down furniture, and yet despite needing to buy a dining table, sideboard, sofa etc, the first item I’ve bought is a piece of artwork. I like to think I’ve got my priorities right.

Why do you think Bargain Hunt has such appeal?

There’s nothing not to love about Bargain Hunt. It’s got everything: fab contestants, interesting quirky items, highs, lows, risk and jeopardy, and laughs aplenty. We all like to get ourselves a bargain and spot something that’s been missed – that thrill you feel we can all relate to. Every team and every fair are different which certainly keep me on my toes and hopefully the viewers at home too.

Why would you encourage anyone to appear on Bargain Hunt?

I can hand on heart promise you that you will have fun. The Bargain Hunt family is very special and to be a part of it for a day is a true privilege; plus, you get to throw caution to the wind, spend money and see if the risk pays off. What’s not to love?!