BBC’s Bargain Hunt jewellery expert Izzie Balmer has reflected on her career change.
Izzie, who is known for her roles in shows such as Bargain Hunt, Flog it! and Antiques Road Trip, didn’t anticipate a career in this domain. With an original ambition to become a professional musician, the world of vintage and collectable items were distant from Izzie’s plans.
Speaking with Great British Life, she shared: “I planned to be a professional musician but didn’t enjoy music college. It wasn’t for me.”
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Revealing that her first TV appearance was serendipitous, she filled in for her boss who was supposed to conduct auctions on Bargain Hunt. “There were no other auctioneers available it had to be me. I had to auction the Bargain Hunt lots in front of the cameras,” explained Izzie.
(Image: Instagram/Izzie Balmer)
The antiques aficionado comes from Quarndon, Derby. Raised by parents Sheila and Toby along with younger brother Hugh, it was her mother who nudged Izzie towards the antiques profession, reports OK!.
However, after university graduation, she found herself jobless and living with her parents again.
After gaining work experience at a local auction house, Izzie Balmer, a regular on Antiques Road Trip, landed a full-time job. This ignited her passion for antiques and led her to study at Birmingham’s School of Jewellery.
Izzie has become a fan favourite, with a dedicated Facebook group called the Izzie Balmer Appreciation Society.
In a 2019 interview with Bristol Post, she said: “I kind of fell into this job but I absolutely love it. I have always loved jewellery and been a fan of sparkly things, like most girls. I cannot think of anything I would rather do.”
(Image: Instagram/Izzie Balmer)
Recently, Bargain Hunt viewers were left stunned when contestants discovered a valuable hidden gem that doubled their money. The find left even antiques expert Raj Bisram shocked at their luck in securing such a fantastic deal.
Contestants Nathalie and Karl, who made up the red team, went head-to-head with blue team duo Adam and Jemma. The show’s experts tasked the red team with finding a profitable fashion accessory and the blue team with hunting down a valuable Chinese-themed item.
The pair splashed out £130 on an Omega watch, which then fetched a surprising £260 at auction, doubling their investment in a smart move.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
