Bargain Hunt legend David Dickinson has revealed the best places to bag an heirloom and the one location he wouldn’t bother going to.
In an exclusive interview with MailOnline the antiques expert, 83, also addressed rumors about his retirement plans before divulging his tricks of the trade.
Mr Dickinson, also known as The Duke, has been a household name in homes across the UK since 2000 when he landed the job presenting the popular BBC show.
With his quick wit and clever catch-phrases the broadcaster took to TV like a duck to water and was an instant hit with Bargain Hunt viewers.
Following his successful debut behind the camera Mr Dickinson was given his own show, Dickinson’s Real Deal, which he has now hosted for 14 seasons.
The star’s passion for value began in his early life and after so many years spent beating on his craft there are few who know more about the world’s hidden treasures.
Sharing his expert tips for novice bargain hunters Mr Dickinson said: ‘My advice to people is go to your local saleroom. It doesn’t cost you anything.
‘You can have a wander around. You can pick up a catalogue.
‘You can look at items which possibly something would appeal to you for your home that could be decorative and something that you’re going to enjoy.
‘I think that’s a really good starting point.’
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Bargain Hunt legend David Dickinson has revealed the best places to bag an heirloom and the one location he wouldn’t bother going to
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In an exclusive interview with MailOnline the antiques expert, 83, divulged his tricks of the trade before addressing rumours about his retirement plans
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Mr Dickinson, also known as The Duke, has been a household name in homes across the UK since 2000 when he landed the job as the presenter on the BBC show Bargain Hunt. Here Mr Dickinson is pictured with his wife Lorne Lesley
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Sharing his expert tips for novice bargain hunters Mr Dickinson said: ‘My advice to people is go to your local saleroom. It doesn’t cost you anything.’ Pictured: Mr Dickinson holds a Peach Bellini in front of the Stapleford Park Country House Hotel, Melton Mobray, Leicestershire
He added: ‘I wouldn’t even consider car boot sales. Although I’m not saying that some lucky person doesn’t go out at 5am in the morning and find what looks like a piece of costume jewelry that turns out to be a valuable piece of jewelry.
‘Also use quality as your yardstick. I have found quality is always more expensive on the day, but it never lets you down in the long run. I think you’re safer with that.’
Mr Dickinson’s TV career has spanned over 30 years and has seen him win many awards, including an MBE.
As well as presenting his own show the gung ho grandad has also appeared as a contestant on both Strictly Come Dancing and I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!
But, despite his age, and his long list of achievements, the star has shown no signs of calling it quits anytime soon.
‘For the last 30 years or so, I’ve worked in television. It’s paid me very, very well.
‘I’ve had a handsome living and and a great lifestyle out of it. So I’m going to say I’m delighted and I will keep doing that as long as there is demand for me to do something,’ Mr Dickinson said.
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Mr Dickinson’s TV career has spanned over 30 years and has seen him win many awards, including an MBE. Here he is pictured in 2008 at Cameo Auction House
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As well as presenting his own show he has also appeared as a contestant on both ‘Strictly Come Dancing and I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here. Pictured: Mr Dickinson with his wife Lorne after competing on I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here
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Mr Dickinson competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004. Here he is pictured with his dance partner Camilla Dallerup
It comes as in 2023 rumors that he was planning to pull the plug on Dickinson’s Real Deal began to swirl.
Addressing the reports the broadcaster said: ‘It’s is total fake news. I’m still trying to find out who launched that story.
‘I presume it would be someone who would probably like to take my position on that show, but I never found out who it really was.
‘I went on to Loose Women and said “I’m still here, I’m still kicking, I’m still working and the rumours are totally fake”.’
Mr Dickinson added that he is ‘always looking for next deal and new methods of investment’.
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The star’s passion for value began in his early life and after so many years spent beating on his craft there are few who know more about the world’s hidden treasures
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Pictured: Mr Dickinson exciting the jungle after his stint on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2005
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Mr Dickinson said he is ‘always looking for next deal and new methods of investment’. He recently hosted an auction with iD Mobile where bidders competed to land a deal on refurbished phones. Here he is pictured at the auction
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Talking about hosting the iD Mobile auction the TV personality said: ‘When I first heard about it, I thought, who the hell is going to want to refurbish telephone?’
He recently worked with iD Mobile to host a unique auction where bidders competed to land a deal on refurbished phones.
The event aimed to ‘highlight the incredible quality and value of refurbished mobile phones, helping savvy shoppers save hundreds of pounds on popular devices.’
A spokesperson for iD mobile said: ‘With iD Mobile, you can save an average of £250 a year (compared to major networks), making it easier than ever to stay connected without breaking the bank.
‘A national poll revealed that many Britons are reluctant to consider pre-loved phones and remain unaware of the quality and savings that they offer.’
Mr Dickinson admitted how at first he had doubts about the demand for second hand products but, following further research, he realised the potential for a ‘good deal’.
The TV personality explained: ‘When I first heard about it, I thought, who the hell is going to want to refurbish telephone?
‘But then it was explained that many people buy a telephone, keep it for a matter of hours or days or just weeks, and then decide to change their mind.
‘They go for another brand, another style, another color, whatever, but they ultimately return them.
‘And so you have a mobile firm like ID mobile. What do they do with a phone that’s absolutely pristine and still virtually brand new? They refurbish it.
‘They put it through the process, they clean it and they put it into the factory with their specialists, and it comes out like a brand new telephone, only it is, just second hand.
‘It strikes me it’s quite a good deal.’
