BBC Bargain Hunt star admits career 'wasn't for me' as she addresses job change
Bargain Hunt's Izzie Balmer has become a household name thanks to her appearances on several antiques shows, but the BBC expert has admitted that her career in the field was never planned.
Bargain Hunt's Izzie Balmer has opened up about her career switch, admitting that a previous job path "wasn't for her". The BBC Jewellery expert, known for her appearances on Bargain Hunt, Flog It!, and Antiques Road Trip, has made a name for herself in the antiques world.
Despite becoming a familiar face on television, the 34-year-old didn't always envision a career among vintage treasures. Originally setting her sights on a musical future, Izzie confessed to Great British Life that her aspirations took a turn.
She said: "I planned to be a professional musician but didn't enjoy music college. It wasn't for me." Her entry into television was equally serendipitous, with Izzie stepping in for her boss to auctioneer on Bargain Hunt when no other auctioneers were available.
"There were no other auctioneers available it had to be me," she explained. "I had to auction the Bargain Hunt lots in front of the cameras."
Raised in the quaint village of Quarndon, Derby, Izzie grew up alongside her parents Sheila and Toby, and her younger brother Hugh. It was her mother who nudged her towards the antiques trade, yet after university, Izzie found herself back at home, job-hunting with little success.
Izzie, a regular on the beloved Antiques Road Trip, found her calling in the world of antiques after securing a full-time job at a local auction house where she had been gaining work experience.
This ignited a passion that led her to study at Birmingham's School of Jewellery.
Her decision to venture into television has proven fruitful, as Izzie has amassed a dedicated fan base, with a Facebook group named the Izzie Balmer Appreciation Society created in her honour.
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In a 2019 interview with Bristol Post, she revealed: "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."
A recent episode of Bargain Hunt left viewers astounded when contestants discovered a valuable hidden treasure during their antiques hunt, doubling their investment. The find left even antiques expert Raj Bisram taken aback by their good fortune in securing such a profitable deal during their challenge.
The episode featured contestants Nathalie and Karl, who formed the red team, pitted against the blue team duo Adam and Jemma. Tasked with finding a profitable fashion accessory, the red team purchased an Omega watch for £130, which astonishingly fetched £260 at auction, effectively doubling their initial investment.
Bargain Hunt airs today at 1:15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.