Yahoo News Bargain Hunt stars' dramatic real lives from tragic deaths to 'secret' baby
Bargain Hunt, the much-loved daytime TV fixture since its 2000 launch, continues to enthral BBC One viewers. The show has seen a parade of antiques experts over the years, who have assisted participants in their quest for items to sell at auction for a profit.
However, beyond the screen, the lives of these antiques aficionados, including former host Tim Wonnacott, Eric Knowles, Roo Irvine, and Natasha Raskin Sharp, have been marked by off-camera drama, from unexpected exits and secret baby announcements to profound personal losses.
The seasoned auctioneer Tim Wonnacott, now 73, became a face closely associated with Bargain Hunt during his stint from 2003 to 2015. His time on the show came to an abrupt halt in 2015 after he reportedly left following a suspension due to a disagreement with the production staff, reports the Express.
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A source from BBC Bristol, where the show is produced, said: "I've always found him fine to work with. But some staff on Bargain Hunt have been unhappy and made a complaint."
Following allegations of bullying, the BBC launched an investigation, with one insider stating: "The word bullying has been used and the BBC has to take these things seriously and check them out."
The BBC verified Tim Wonnacott's departure from Bargain Hunt in November of 2015. Tim said: "I am pleased to have been part of Bargain Hunt for so many years and have thoroughly enjoyed every one of my, roughly, 1,200 programmes hunting out bargains with the contestants.
"Alongside continuing to voice Antiques Road Trip for the BBC, I look forward to developing new programme ideas."
Notably recognised on the telly, Eric Knowles rose to fame from his appearances on Antiques Roadshow prior to becoming a mainstay on Bargain Hunt.
His television portfolio includes appearances on shows like Clash of the Collectables, Restoration Roadshow, and Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.
Eric enjoys a longstanding married life with Anita Knowles. Anita, aged 64, acts as the company secretary for their business, Eric Knowles Antiquarian Services Limited.
Residing in Buckinghamshire, the Knowles family consists of Eric and Anita, along with their two sons - Oliver and Sebastian. In 2015, at just 26, Sebastian tragically died in a car accident.
In a heartbreaking mishap involving his Mercedes and a lorry on the M40 in Buckinghamshire, Sebastian lost his life. Known in professional circles as DJ Sparky B, he was an ardent DJ who supported Wycombe Wanderers and performed throughout London.
Over his career, he collaborated with acclaimed artists such as Ultrabeat and The Artful Dodger while hosting a weekly radio show on Time FM. In 2013, he made a switch to Wycombe Sound.
Since 2018, Bargain Hunt's Roo Irvine has been captivating audiences with her extensive knowledge of antiques and her unique style.
Roo, whose full name is Arusha, was on a career path in marketing before she decided to become a TV treasure hunter. In 2013, after the sudden loss of two close family members, she decided to re-evaluate her life and career.
The unexpected passing of her father and then her father-in-law left Roo, now 32, in profound grief. On her website, she openly shared: "Kilcreggan Antiques came about quite by (bad) luck when suddenly, and unexpectedly, in 2013, my wonderful Dad passed away. I was heartbroken and devastated. Then, just three weeks later, my husband Mark also lost his father to a long battle with cancer."
She went on to say: "We walked away from our senior corporate jobs and focused on taking care of our widowed mothers."
"I'd always loved antiques and had developed a keen eye, so my husband suggested we 'go for it' and Kilcreggan Antiques was born. Out of some of my darkest days came a sliver of light. Fate? ".
Fans were surprised when Natasha Raskin-Sharp announced in January 2024 that she had given birth to a baby while keeping the news of her pregnancy completely under wraps.
The 37 year old presenter shared the joyful news on social media with an endearing post announcing the birth of her little one, accentuated by a cute photograph. Expressing her happiness, she said: "What a way to start the year - the last few days have been nothing short of immense [love heart emoji]."
Informing her followers about her impending hiatus from her Thursday night commitments at @bbcradioscot, Natasha wrote: "I'll be handing over my Thursday night @bbcradioscot duties to the excellent @ravisagoogram for a short spell - thanks, Ravi. Catch him from 10pm on @bbcsounds."
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