Bargain Hunt star Kate Bliss' life off-screen including how she became a 'novelty'

TV antiques expert Kate Bliss has been a familiar face on our screens for many years on Bargain Hunt.

The 49-year-old's impressive knowledge helps the red and blue teams find some hidden gems to flip for a profit on the daytime show.

Borning Herefordshire, the TV expert first made her TV debut on the popular show after catching the eye of the Bargain Hunt crew while working as an auctioneer.

Since then, she's graced other daytime shows including Flog It! and Secret Dealers, as well as presenting Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.

Away from the small screen, Kate has a keen eye for jewellery and silver and is a member of the prestigious Great Britain Gemmological Association. But what do we know about her life outside of TV and her family life?

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Early life and career of Kate Bliss

Born in Herefordshire, Kate developed a passion for antiques from a young age, thanks to her father's valuation and auction business. She studied English literature and fine art before deciding to pursue a career in antiques, and has since become a respected expert in her field.

Kate has spoken fondly of the influence her father had on her career, saying: "My father had his own saleroom when I was growing up so I started rummaging for treasure and sitting on the auctioneer's rostrum, from an early age.

"I think a lot of the antiques business is in the blood. So many traditional dealers impart their knowledge and enthusiasm to the next generation, and so the tradition continues."

Kate remarked she learned from her father how to be an auctioneer and command the room, skills she has put to good use on TV.

Once her career in antiques was well-established, she started working alongside some of her Bargain Hunt co-stars. She joined Philip Serrell's auction business before starting work in association with Charles Hanson's business.

When her family started to grow and she became a mother to two children, she started her own fine art valuation company.

How Kate Bliss became a 'novelty' and her TV breakthrough

Kate Bliss' step into television was almost by fate when she encountered the Bargain Hunt team filming at Brightwells auction house. The antiques expert was approached by the production crew to join the BBC series and it's fair to say she never looked back.

Speaking to the BBC, she recounted: "I was the only lady auctioneer at my local saleroom and we were a bit of a novelty back then (it’s going back a bit!), so I was asked to appear on the show as the auctioneer and then quickly followed as an expert.

"I will never forget turning up at my first shoot in my high heels, feeling very proud in my new suit but the fair we were filming at was outdoors and it rained the entire weekend. I ended up wearing Philip Serrell’s wellies which were 3 sizes too big!"

Bliss's charm and expertise didn't go unnoticed, leading to regular appearances on other popular BBC daytime shows, namely Flog It!, Secret Dealers, Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.

Is Kate Bliss married?

Kate tied the knot with her partner Jonathan back in 2005, and have two children together. In her spare time, she enjoys reading books and watching films as well as exercising with the family dog or doing pilates.

She has a hidden musical talent for playing the piano and used to play as a teenager at Dorstone Parish Church, near where she grew up.

Kate is well-known for helping charities and supports St Michael's Hospice and the Alzheimer's Society. Her involvement comes after her grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

On Kate's website, she talks about her love for old objects: "Born into a successful auctioneering businesses, Kate grew up in the auction and has always been fascinated by the history and craftsmanship of beautiful objects."