Inside BBC Antiques Road Trip's Raj Bisram's life off-screen including surprise career before TV

Raj Bisram is a familar face on both the BBC and Channel 4 have made a name for himself as an antiques expert on shows like the Antiques Road Trip and Four Room. However, his life could have been very different is he'd followed his passion for magic.

Raj, who also appeared on Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, Flog It! and Bargain Hunt among other shows, is a member of the illustrious Magic Circle - a feat just 1,500 people around the world hold, reports the Express. However, antiques became his calling after a very career path in the years in between.

The TV expert was born in London into an Indian family, grew up with two sisters, and was educated at Highgate School in North London. Speaking of his childhood, he told DesiBlitz: "One of my enduring memories of childhood is of family Sunday outings in the car with a picnic to the English countryside. I enjoyed these times so much that in later life I have lived most of my adult life in the countryside at home and abroad."

READ MORE: Stats show who is most likely to win I'm A Celeb this year

In school, Raj nurtured a love for sports, clinching numerous awards and has candidly stated, "During my latter school years sport came first, partying second and school third, and generally life was great fun." His love of antiques developed at the age of 10 and his professional journey is as remarkable as the unique items he encounters.

Despite many assuming that his life has always revolved around antiques, Raj actually began with a vastly different career trajectory. In his earlier years, he served as a Physical Training Instructor for the British Army, carved out a niche as a ski-racer, and managed the formidable World Ariel Stunt Team, before making history as the first non-Austrian to qualify as a ski instructor in Austria. It was in a Tyrol resort where he embraced his instructing duties.

His enduring passion for art, however, steered him down the antique-strewn path to ultimately becoming an accomplished antiques dealer and auctioneer, focusing on fine art. In 1995, Raj's expertise and enthusiasm culminated in the co-founding of Bentley's Fine Art and Antiques Auctioneers in Cranbrook, Kent.

Looking back at his varied life experiences, Raj said: "I discovered early on that a 9-5 job was never going to be for me, so I turned my childhood love of old and dusty junk and antique shops into my job and, later, career."

Raj's entrance into the world of television was by chance when, in 2013, he was recruited to feature on Channel 4's Four Rooms, a programme offering collectors the opportunity to sell their treasures to dealers. His impressive stint on the show led to further opportunities, including a role on Bargain Hunt - a position he occupies to this day as an expert aiding the competing red and blue teams.

It was during an episode of Would I Lie To You? that Raj's magic skills came to the fore when he attempted - but failed - to perform a trick on his friend Shaun. The website allelectricproductions.co.uk features Raj as one of their acts, stating: "Raj spent much of his early life working his way around the world as a magician and was an Associate Member of the Magicians Circle.

"He brings this flair for magic to his after-dinner entertainment and finishes it with a flourish as two of the waiters suddenly reveal themselves to be magicians and the three of them go round all the tables enchanting the guests by making things disappear and reappear – a memorable and fun end to any dinner event."

Raj has been married to his wife Susan since 1983. They have two daughters together, but Raj has not spoken much about his family life in Kent.

Speaking about how he spends his spare time, Raj said: "I like to spend my free time relaxing at home in the Kent countryside. Walking the dog to the local pub on a Sunday lunchtime has become a family tradition. Other interests include skiing, tennis, playing bridge, reading and the occasional game of poker."

We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first