Inside life of Bargain Hunt star Thomas Forrester from health scare to name change

expert Thomas Forrester has been a familar face on our screens for many years and offering his expertise to the red and blue teams.

The expert on the One show, who is also known for his appearances on , is director of Special Auction Services in Newbury.

He offers valuation advice to clients, but his expertise on Bargain Hunt came about by chance. Camera crews only wanted to film an auction for the show but later invited him onto the show to offer his extensive antiques knowledge to guests and viewers.

Thomas Forrester has lived a busy life with family and children, but he has also had a health scare and even changed his name.

But who is Thomas Forrester and what is his life like when he's not on TV?

Born in 1975, Thomas Forrester grew up on a beef farm. Alongside getting stuck in on the farm, Thomas developed a love of antiques and fine art and he 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.

He has a particular interest in jewellery which led to him pursuing his two jewellery and gemstone diplomas alongside his fine art valuation degree.

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."

Thomas became Director of Special Auction Services in 2006.

Thomas Forrester was working at auctioneers Phillips when the approached them asking to film one of their auctions.

The sale they chose happened to be Thomas' and he expected it to be a one-off appearance, but it led him to become one of Bargain Hunt's experts.

Thomas has been candid about how he joined the BBC daytime show but has been a mainstay since his debut.

Thomas Forrester was previously known as Thomas Plant until 2018 when he changed his name. It is not known why Thomas changed his surname.

Thomas's company Special Auction Services addressed the name change in 2018: "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 in the same!"

His name credit on Bargain Hunt and other BBC series since has been Thomas Forrester.

Earlier this year, the antiques expert revealed he had a frightening health scare.

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 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. Speaking to The Sun, he 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.

Bargain Hunt star Thomas Forrester previously married a woman called Angela in 2006. In 2010, they welcomed their twin daughters and resided in Cowley.

In the years since, it has been reported that the pair split and Thomas now has a new partner called Jessica Forrester. Many have speculated this is why Thomas changed his name.

Little is known about their relationship as the pair prefer to keep their relationship out of the spotlight. According to an article in Newbury Today in 2020, the family at some point moved to Newbury, Berkshire.

Away from work, the star opened up about what he enjoys in his free time, including his "guilty pleasures".

He said: "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!" On how he spends his spare time he added: "Firstly, spending time with my children. I also like to work out and I very much enjoy CrossFit."

Bargain Hunt airs on One on weekdays from 12.15pm