BARGAIN HUNT’s star Izzie Balmer is renowned for her work as an auctioneer, as well as valuer. But she was also a BBC presenter was able to choose the exact opposite choice than her choice.
The 32-year-old has appeared as an auctioneer on The Bargain Hunt along with Antiques Roadshow as an auctioneer. She’s also been in Flog It! as well as the co-host of a different BBC series known as Street Auction. But, the world of antiques is a vast contrast to her initial career path.
The famous auctioneer started her career in the year 2018 when she was hired by Wessex Auction Rooms as their Head Valuer.
Izzie is now a specialist in jewelry and holds two certificates obtained from her association, the Gemmological Association Of Great Britain.
Although she is known to keep the cards near her heart, Izzie has previously spoken about how close she is to family members.
Izzie was born in the town of Quarndon in Derby and alongside her parents Sheila as well as Toby and her younger brother Hugh.
It was actually her mom Sheila who introduced Izzie into a profession in antiques shortly after she had graduated from the university.
After her graduation, Izzie ended up staying with her family, and having a hard time finding a job.
Her mother suggested that she try to get some experience in an auction house in the area and, after two weeks of internship Izzie was given a full-time job.
Izzie was able to continue her studies in Birmingham’s School of Jewellery, where she completed a gemmology course and a diamond diploma. Her internship that sparked her interest in antiques.
Yet, Izzie never intended to pursue a career in vintage and collectible items.
The presenter told Great British Life: “I had a dream of becoming a professional musician , but was not a fan of music school. It wasn’t my thing.”
In the interview, Lizzie also opened up about how her first foray into television was when she was able to fill in to replace her boss who was supposed to auctioneer for Bargain Hunt.
She stated: “There were no other auctioneers on the market, so it was my turn. I was required to auction on the Bargain Hunt lots in front of cameras.
“I wasn’t used to watching TV, and I was not dressed for television and I didn’t have any lipstick.
“I required a microphone on me, however I was wearing only an oversized summer dress therefore it needed to be tacked on onto my bra.
“Halfway through half way through, halfway through the episode, Bargain team member from Hunt who was fixing the issue said “By the way my name is Jim.’
“I didn’t have the opportunity to view the items going to auction, or even consider what to say about them. I was totally unprepared.”
“I’m all set for you Bees!” it was the caption of the photo. Later, she said she’d love to own her own beehive in the future.
