Bargain Hunt favourite reveals huge career change after 16 years on BBC show

Bargain Hunt star and antiques expert, Jonathan Pratt, is branching out into a totally different career, after joining the much-loved BBC show in 2008

Bargain Hunt star, Jonathan Pratt, has revealed a surprising career move after 16 years on the show.

The popular antiques expert, 52, has been steering teams to victory on the BBC programme since 2008 as well as appearing in Antique's Road Trip and Flog It! However, now he's decided to branch out in a completely different direction.

Announcing that he's going to try his hand at acting, Jonathan pointed out the similarities between Bargain Hunt and the theatre as he explained: "It's funny, really. The thing is, auction is theatre. Being a good auctioneer is understanding how to work a room, how to work with people. You've got to entertain. You need to keep attention whilst trying to essentially take money from them for the objects you're selling. So a good auctioneer is always worth his money."

Despite moving into performing arts, Bargain Hunt fans don't have to worry about missing Jonathan on the show as he promised he's not going anywhere. Speaking to GB News, he said: "So the Bargain Hunt thing, that's an irregular thing. That happens two or three filming days a year. Sometimes more, sometimes less. Each recording day is like four shows, it looks like it's more, to be honest."

As well treading the boards, Jonathan revealed he would also like to have a go at Strictly Come Dancing, urging anyone with a link to the casting crew to "mention my name".

Jonathan, known as J.P by Bargain Hunt host, Tim Wonnacott, has become a fan favourite on daytime TV for his in-depth antique knowledge and chipper attitude. He made a name for himself in the antiques game from an early age and specialises in jewellery, watches, English furniture and Persian carpets.

It's clear that his ambition to enter the antiques trade was sparked early on, with Ian McShane's Lovejoy capturing his imagination. Recalling the BBC TV series, speaking to the Mirror, he said: "Ian McShane played the loveable antiques dealer and I found it fascinating how Lovejoy understood objects. It was as if they were speaking to him in a language that I didn't understand."

After completing his A-levels, Jonathan jumped into the world of antiques and earned a diploma in Fine Art and Chattels Valuation before diving deep into Gemmology to master the art of valuing bling and baubles.

His knack for the trade propelled him to top dog spot as the managing director at auction house Dreweatts, followed by a solid 12-year stint heading up Bellmans.

The BBC spotted his talents and invited him to join Bargain Hunt in 2008 and later Jonathan became a familiar face on The Antiques Road Trip and Flog It! Reminiscing about his telly break, he recalled he had a chance encounter with Wonnacott, revaling: "Back in 2007 I was at a friend's wedding, where I ran into Tim Wonnacott. I'd worked with Tim at Sotheby's, and he said to me, in his distinctive voice: 'Tell me, JP: would you stoop so low as to go on Bargain Hunt?".

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .