David Dickinson has been a familiar face on TV for many years, but the antiques expert and presenter now lives a quiet life.

David Dickinson on Dickinson's Real Deals
David took a step back from showbiz to focus on his family (Image: Zodiak Media)

Bargain Hunt legend and antiques aficionado David Dickinson’s life off-screen is as riveting as any rare find he has uncovered on his shows. He might have charmed the nation with his tan and antique haggling, but the 82 year old’s path has seen its share of tumultuous twists including a stint inside that the average fan wouldn’t necessarily expect from the cheery presenter.

Born in Cheshire, Dickinson boasts not only a career filled with television accolades but also an intriguing family lineage peppered with celebrated personalities – among them is a household name in comedy known for his sold-out performances.

As for David’s shaded past, it was a stint in prison early in life that marked a significant turning point. Engulfed in fraudulent activities as a young man, Dickinson was sentenced to four years for a mail-order clothing scam, of which he served three at Manchesters famed Strangeways prison. This period profoundly influenced him.

He has opened up about his prison experience and the profound reflection it spurred in several heartfelt revelations, including a 2005 interview with The Mirror: “I hated every moment but I knew I had to get through. I vowed I would never do anything to put myself back in this position. I had brought shame on my family, I’d been a cocky young thing.”, reports the Mirror.

Jack Whitehall on red carpet
Jack Whitehall and David Dickinson are connected through marriage (Image: AFF-USA/REX/Shutterstock)

David recounted the harrowing experience of his arrest, saying: “I will never forget the moment. It all happened so fast, the handcuffs, being read my rights.

The fear was horrendous. All I could think was, ‘what have I done? ‘” His spouse, Lorne Lesley, reflected on the past, noting: “Prison was tougher in those days and he went through it at a young age. It was 40 years ago and he doesn’t talk about it, but it had a lasting effect on him.”

David Dickinson attends the British Soap Awards

David has lived a very colourful life after a brief prison stint in his youth (Image: WireImage)

In an intriguing twist of fate, David is connected to a well-known celebrity Jack Whitehall. The 35 year old comedian stumbled upon the family tie while at a funeral.

Although not related by blood, Jack’s second cousin is David’s wife, Lorne, who he has been married to for over half a century. During a 2020 interview, a surprised Jack revealed: “[David is] married to one of my second cousins. I saw him at a funeral, over the other side of the grave.”

British television presenter David Dickinson

David now lives a in quiet life in Cheshire with his wife Lorna (Image: Getty Images)

David told The Mirror that his home has the “wow factor,” and that he was loving his home, saying: “The security is marvellous. When I go away with work, it’s good to know (wife) Lorne feels safe.

“When we walked in, it really had the wow factor.”

Properties in Prestbury had an overall average price of £770k, according to Rightmove, but detached properties have an eye-watering average price of £947k