BH: Izzie Balmer apologises to team after bonus buy fail
Bargain Hunt expert Izzie Balmer got a call from the series producer asking if she would like to join the Bargain Hunt family. The antiques fanatic admitted she couldn’t say yes fast enough.
The freelance auctioneer and valuer specialises in jewellery and silver, and earlier this year she joined Clevedon Salerooms as a consultant. With diplomas in gemmology and diamonds, she certainly knows her craft.
However, she has not always had her heart set on antiques, and she explained how she got into the industry by chance. She said: "If I’m totally honest I fell into the antiques industry.
"Upon completion of my geography degree at Durham University, I realised I had no clue what I wanted to do. I got a part-time job in a vintage shop while I figured out what my future might hold for me.
"Nine months later and I was none the wiser. My mum suggested I do some work experience at a local auction house."
After two weeks of work experience the auction house offered her a job and the rest became history.
She admitted she had no idea what her future may have held had she not accepted the job at the auction house.
When asked what she would otherwise do for a living, she said: "I have absolutely no idea – no doubt something very boring, wishing I was doing something as exciting as antiques.
"That being said, I’ve always liked the idea of having my own café serving good locally sourced, seasonal food."
Don't miss...
Inside the life of Bargain Hunt's Irita Marriott from forgotten cameo to kids [INSIGHT]
Natasha Raskin Sharp siblings as Bargain Hunt star hails from famous family [EXPLAINER]
BBC Bargain Hunt ex-contestant shares ‘cheating’ tactics [INSIGHT]
She revealed food was her guilty pleasure, with her favourite cuisines being Italian and Asian.
"I can’t resist a flat white coffee and pastry if I pass an independent bakery," she added.
When not at work, she can be found playing the viola for several Bristol orchestras, and she is part of a string quartet performing at weddings and other events.
In her personal life, she loves going out with friends, going out for dinner and visiting new places, growing her own flowers and vegetables.
Bargain Hunt airs on weekdays on BBC One at 12.15pm
