Television favourite David Dickinson was spotted enjoying a spot of festive retail therapy this week, but it was his choice of vehicle that turned heads as much as his bargain-hunting reputation. The 84-year-old antiques expert was seen doing his Christmas food shopping in Handforth, Cheshire, on Thursday, arriving in a luxurious £260,000 convertible Bentley.
An Incognito Outing in Cheshire
Attempting a low-key appearance, the Bargain Hunt icon pulled his hood up as he transferred bags from Marks & Spencer into the boot of the swanky black car. Dressed casually in a black zip-up hoodie and jeans, Dickinson cut a relaxed figure as he navigated the car park with a large trolley filled with his festive provisions.
The star, affectionately known as 'The Duke', became a household name after first presenting the popular BBC show Bargain Hunt in 2000. His quick wit and memorable catchphrases like 'real bobby-dazzler' and 'cheap as chips' made him an instant hit with viewers. He later moved to ITV to front his own show, Dickinson's Real Deal, which he has now hosted for an impressive 14 seasons.
Expert Tips for Aspiring Treasure Hunters
This public appearance follows an exclusive interview Dickinson gave earlier this year, where he shared his professional secrets and addressed persistent rumours about his retirement. The veteran broadcaster, whose TV career spans over three decades and includes an MBE, offered clear advice for novice collectors.
'My advice to people is go to your local saleroom. It doesn't cost you anything,' he stated. He recommended that beginners wander around, pick up a catalogue, and look for items that could be both decorative and enjoyable for the home, calling it a 'really good starting point'.
However, he was less enthusiastic about one popular hunting ground. 'I wouldn't even consider car boot sales,' Dickinson admitted, though he conceded that very occasionally someone might get lucky. His golden rule for investment? '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.'
No Signs of Slowing Down
Despite his age and a career filled with achievements—including stints on Strictly Come Dancing and I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!—Dickinson shows no intention of stepping away from the spotlight. He firmly dismissed rumours from 2023 suggesting he was planning to end Dickinson's Real Deal as 'total fake news'.
'For the last 30 years or so, I've worked in television. It's paid me very, very well,' he reflected. 'I've had a handsome living 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.'
The antiques expert concluded by emphasising his enduring passion for the hunt, stating he is 'always looking for the next deal and new methods of investment', proving that for this television veteran, the search for value and quality is a lifelong pursuit.
