Bargain Hunt's Izzie Balmer makes candid admission about career choice

Izzie Balmer is on Antiques Road Trip
-Credit: (Image: (Image: BBC))


Bargain Hunt's aficionado Izzie Balmer was over the moon when she got the invite to join the team from the show's producer, confessing she jumped at the opportunity without hesitation.

Working as a freelance auctioneer and valuer with expertise in jewellery and silver, she has also recently been working with Clevedon Salerooms as a consultant. Backed by diplomas in gemmology and diamonds, her passion for the subject is evident.

Despite her clear talent for antiques, it wasn't always the career path she envisioned. Reflecting on her professional journey, she revealed, "If I'm totally honest I fell into the antiques industry."

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"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."

That work experience turned into a job offer from the auction house after a mere two weeks, which set her life on a whole new course, reports the Express.

Izzie Balmer said she would love to open a cafe
Izzie Balmer said she would love to open a cafe -Credit:BBC

Her career could have taken an entirely different direction had she not accepted the job at the auction house. Pondering the alternative, she confessed, "I have absolutely no idea no doubt something very boring, wishing I was doing something as exciting as antiques."

Still, Izzie once entertained other dreams, such as, "That being said, I've always liked the idea of having my own cafe serving good locally sourced, seasonal food."

She shared that food is her guilty pleasure and named Italian and Asian as her top culinary picks.

"I can't resist a flat white coffee and pastry if I pass an independent bakery," she divulged.

Away from her professional duties, she's often seen playing the viola for various Bristol orchestras and performs in a string quartet at weddings and events.

Her personal time is spent enjoying outings with friends, dining out, exploring new locations, and cultivating her own garden of flowers and vegetables.

Bargain Hunt airs on weekdays on BBC One at 12.15pm