Describing what she loves about her job, she told the BBC: ‘The thrill of auctions, the excitement, the not-knowing and the sheer drama. There was a gasp in the saleroom and then silence, as the auctioneer's voice recorded the bids went fiercely up and up. In a separate interview with the BBC, she said: "I was the only lady auctioneer at my local saleroom and we were a bit of a novelty then (it's going back a bit! In 2018, his company Special Auction Services simply explained: ‘Thomas has been Thomas Forrester for some time now so to avoid any further confusion he decided it was high time his details were updated. Anita and Lala established The Great Western Auctions Ltd in 1989 which has since been featured in Flog It, Bargain Hunt and Cash in the Attic.

Bargain Hunt, Series 65, Hele 21 BBC One - Bargain Hunt, Series 65, Hele 21

I will never forget turning up at my first shoot in my high heels, feeling very proud in my new suit but the fair we were filming at was outdoors and it rained the entire weekend. The antiques broker, who also makes appearances on shows such as Cash in the Attic and Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, followed up his initial message to thank his fans for their tweets of support.

My father had his own saleroom when I was growing up so I started rummaging for treasure and sitting on the auctioneer’s rostrum, from an early age. While she has become known for her love of antiques on-screen, what is known of her family life away from her television career? I can’t stop seeking that ‘must have’ piece, but at the end of the day, deep down I know I don’t need another antique. And while her work is described as “historical romance”, Kate, 38, admits some fans may be shocked by the content. I am sure there are some similarities though between holding forth in a courtroom and in a saleroom!

Bargain Hunt experts: Who are they and do they get paid? - Metro Bargain Hunt experts: Who are they and do they get paid? - Metro

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. Antiques valuer Kate, who has built up a large male following since joining Bargain Hunt in 2013, also enjoys a spot of sexual ­innuendo on BBC daytime TV. I love the Builth Wells Antiques Fair - it’s fairly close to home for me and set amongst the gorgeous mid Wales hills, but Westpoint at Exeter is also a great fair with lots of variety. Lala shares her mother's passion for antiques with the mother and daughter duo having set up their own auction house together.I’m always learning in this business and it’s very rewarding to be able to impart a few tricks of the trade or some history to those who have only just started learning. Paul Laidlaw is a Scottish auctioneer on Bargain Hunt, having first started to appear on the BBC One series in 2006.