BBC Bargain Hunt star announces huge career change after 16 years

After 16 years on Bargain Hunt, star Jonathan Pratt has unveiled a surprising new career path. The much-loved antiques expert, aged 52, has been a familiar face guiding contestants to success on the BBC show since 2008 and has also made appearances on Antiques Road Trip and Flog It!

But now, he's set for a dramatic change, as he ventures into acting, reports the Mirror. Jonathan drew parallels between his current role and performance art, saying: "It's funny, really. The thing is, auction is theatre. Being a good auctioneer is understanding how to work a room, how to work with people.

"You've got to entertain. You need to keep attention whilst trying to essentially take money from them for the objects you're selling. So a good auctioneer is always worth his money."

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Despite this new ambition, Mr Pratt assured viewers during an interview with GB News that they won't be missing him on their screens, explaining that his appearances are not as frequent as they may think. He said: "So the Bargain Hunt thing, that's an irregular thing. That happens two or three filming days a year. Sometimes more, sometimes less. Each recording day is like four shows, it looks like it's more, to be honest."

In addition to setting his sights on the stage, Jonathan expressed his interest in joining the lineup on Strictly Come Dancing, playfully suggesting that those with connections should drop in a good word for him: "mention my name".

Jonathan, affectionately dubbed J. P by Bargain Hunt's Tim Wonnacott, has charmed daytime TV audiences with his extensive knowledge of antiques and upbeat demeanour. He carved out a niche for himself in the world of antiques at a young age, focusing on areas such as jewellery, watches, English furniture, and Persian carpets.

His passion for the trade was ignited early, with Ian McShane's portrayal of Lovejoy on television being a significant influence. Speaking to the Mirror about its importance, he said: "Ian McShane played the loveable antiques dealer and I found it fascinating how Lovejoy understood objects. It was as if they were speaking to him in a language that I didn't understand."

After completing his A-Levels, Jonathan plunged into the antiques scene, obtaining a diploma in Fine Art and Chattels Valuation and delving into Gemmology to become adept at appraising jewellery. His talent quickly elevated him to the position of managing director at Dreweatts auction house and subsequently led to a successful 12-year tenure at the helm of Bellmans.

The BBC recognised his expertise and invited him to join Bargain Hunt in 2008, leading Jonathan to become a well-known personality on both The Antiques Road Trip and Flog It! Reflecting on how he landed his television role, he shared an anecdote from a fortuitous meeting with Tim Wonnacott. He said: "Back in 2007 I was at a friend's wedding, where I ran into Tim Wonnacott. I'd worked with Tim at Sotheby's, and he said to me, in his distinctive voice: 'Tell me, JP: would you stoop so low as to go on Bargain Hunt?"

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