Thomas Forrester is known for his work on the BBC One show and Antiques Road Trip, but currently serves as director of Special Auction Services in Newbury.
Bargain Hunt star Thomas Forrester has long been a staple for daytime TV viewers, lending his know-how to the much-loved red and blue teams.
Forrester is known for his work on the BBC One show and Antiques Road Trip, but currently serves as director of Special Auction Services in Newbury.
He offers valuation advice to clients, but his expertise on Bargain Hunt came about by chance. Initially, the production crew only aimed to shoot an auction for the show, but then extended Forrester an invite to share his vast knowledge of antiques with contestants and viewers.
Beyond the bustle of auctions and family life, Forrester has navigated health concerns and even a name change.
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Early life and career of Thomas Forrester
Born in the 1970s, Forrester grew up on a beef farm. Not just dabbling in farm life, Thomas developed an interest in antiques and fine art and studied fine art valuation at Southampton Solent University.
After graduating in 1996, Thomas joined Philips in Bath as a porter and worked his way up to become an auctioneer and valuer.
On how he became interested in antiques, he said: “I grew up on a farm and we were beef farmers. I loved the cattle auctions and always admired the job of the auctioneer.
“I asked my father why the auctioneer was taking the auction in guineas. He explained the guinea is worth more than one pound and what is left over belongs to the man with the gavel.
“However, I have been very lucky in that my grandmothers played a huge part in my love of old things. One was an architect and the other was in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force in the Second World War and was a massive fan of antiques and auctions from very early on, and she would take me to the local saleroom.”
His particular interest in jewellery led to him pursuing his two jewellery and gemstone diplomas alongside his fine art valuation degree. Thomas took up the role of Director at Special Auction Services in 2006.
The story behind Thomas Forrester’s start on Bargain Hunt
While working at auctioneers Phillips, the BBC approached them to film one of their auctions.
The chosen sale happened to be Thomas’, which he thought would be a one-off appearance, but it led him to become one of Bargain Hunt’s experts.
Thomas has been open about his journey to joining the BBC daytime show and has remained a regular since his first appearance.
Why did Thomas change his name?
Previously known as Thomas Plant until 2018, Thomas Forrester changed his name for reasons unknown.
In 2018, Thomas’s company, Special Auction Services, addressed the name change: “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.
“Of course, those of you who know him as Thomas Plant will always call him as such, for the avoidance of doubt he is in fact one and the same!”
Despite going by his birth name on television previously, Thomas has been professionally known as Thomas Forrester in recent years, including on BBC series Bargain Hunt.
Thomas Forrester’s health scare
In a concerning update, antique specialist Thomas Forrester took to Instagram to share details of a serious health scare he had endured.
The antiques expert began experiencing a strange tingling sensation in his hands, prompting him to seek medical attention.
In a candid update about his health, the BBC star revealed he had been diagnosed with a painful trapped nerve in his hand. A keen fencer, Thomas believes the condition is a result of his regular participation in the sport.
He previously said: “The thing is I’m a fencer. I fence three times a week and I’m going to continue fencing.
“They have released it [the trapped nerve] and massaged it and hopefully within a week it will sort of stop.” Despite the discomfort, Thomas remains committed to maintaining his fitness, even if it means dealing with ‘the moans, the nibbles, the grunts’.
He also revealed that he requires further treatment for tennis elbow.
Is Thomas Forrester married?
Bargain Hunt’s Thomas Forrester tied the knot with Angela back in 2006. The couple welcomed their twin daughters in 2010 and set up their home in Cowley.
Over time, reports have surfaced that Thomas and Angela split, with Thomas now in a relationship with Jessica Forrester. This new relationship is rumoured to be behind his decision to change his surname.
Details about Thomas and Jessica’s relationship are scarce as they opt to keep their personal life private. A Newbury Today article from 2020 mentioned that at some point, the family relocated to Newbury, Berkshire.
When not on the hunt for bargains, Thomas has shared his leisure preferences and “guilty pleasures”.
He revealed: “Skiing – it’s the crisp blue sky, the peaked mountains, the squeak of fresh snow on your ski boots and the first run in the morning.”
“My guiltiest pleasure, I just love it! ” Regarding how he likes to spend his downtime, he said: “Firstly, spending time with my children. I also like to work out and I very much enjoy CrossFit.”
