Bargain Hunt star Eric Knowles' personal journey as he opens up on free time

Bargain Hunt's very own Eric Knowles has been a familiar face in the auctioneering world for decades, yet he recently shed light on his personal life away from the gavel and the excitement of the auction room. The seasoned BBC Bargain Hunt presenter and antiques connoisseur, known for his expertise in ceramics and glass, began his career as a humble porter in Bonhams' ceramics department back in 1976. Fast forward to 1992, and Eric was instrumental in establishing Bonhams offices in Bristol, later becoming a non-executive director of scottishantiques.

com. His rise to prominence began with his role as a ceramics expert on Antiques Roadshow . Following Tim Wonnacott's departure from Bargain Hunt, Eric stepped into the spotlight as one of several guest presenters.



He recounted the origins of his involvement with the show, revealing: "[It] came about after receiving a phone call from the commissioning editor at the BBC and who I have known for about ten years. We both hail from the North West so straight talking is the order of the day and she was convinced I would be perfect." Eric also mused on alternative career paths he might have taken had the antique world not beckoned.

He divulged two potential avenues: "One being in the big outdoors and the Forestry Commission or the indoor studio working in Radio as a DJ." His family life includes his wife Anita and their son Seb, who tragically died in a road accident in 2015. In terms of leisure, Eric admits his wife would say there's no such thing as 'free time', but he does relish the chance to immerse himself in gardening .

He added: "In truth I am more of a vegetation controller than a gardener who is always in more need of a machete than a pair of secateurs." Delving deeper into his private life, he confessed that his ultimate indulgence is "walking along the edge of a beach preferably in Barbados". Eric's journey has been marked by significant challenges, notably the tragic loss of his 26-year-old son.

Seb, who pursued a career as a DJ, tragically passed away following a collision between his Mercedes and a lorry on the M40 in Buckinghamshire. Catch Bargain Hunt on weekdays at 12.15pm and Saturdays at 1.

15pm on BBC One..