BBC Bargain Hunt star Thomas Forrester's life off screen from health scare to name change

Thomas Forrester, a regular face on daytime TV as a member of the Bargain Hunt team, offers more than just his presence to the revered red and blue teams. Familiar to viewers for his appearances on BBC One's Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, Forrester also serves as director of Special Auction Services in Newbury, providing expert valuation advice.

His journey to TV was serendipitous; originally, he was only meant to feature in an auction segment for the show until producers invited him to bring his extensive antiques savvy to a broader audience. When not in the thick of auctions or balancing family responsibilities, Forrester has steered through personal health challenges and even a change of name.

Forrester's origin story begins in the 1970s on a beef farm. More than just engaging with farm responsibilities, he cultivated a passion for antiques and fine art, leading him to study fine art valuation at Southampton Solent University.

After graduating in 1996, Thomas kickstarted his career at Philips in Bath as a porter but swiftly rose to the role of an auctioneer and valuer. Reflecting on his path to the antique world, Thomas recalled: "I grew up on a farm and we were beef farmers. I loved the cattle auctions and always admired the job of the auctioneer," reports the Liverpool Echo.

He continued, delving deeper into his formative experiences: "I asked my father why the auctioneer was taking the auction in guineas. He explained the guinea is worth more than one pound and what is left over belongs to the man with the gavel. However, I have been very lucky in that my grandmothers played a huge part in my love of old things. One was an architect and the other was in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force in the Second World War and was a massive fan of antiques and auctions from very early on, and she would take me to the local saleroom."

His passion for jewellery led him to pursue two diplomas in jewellery and gemstones alongside his fine art valuation degree. In 2006, Thomas took up the role of Director at Special Auction Services.

The story behind Thomas Forrester's start on Bargain Hunt began while he was working at auctioneers Phillips. The BBC approached them to film one of their auctions. The chosen sale happened to be Thomas', which he thought would be a one-off appearance, but it led him to become one of Bargain Hunt's experts. Thomas has been open about his journey to joining the BBC daytime show and has remained a regular since his first appearance.

Previously known as Thomas Plant until 2018, Thomas Forrester changed his name for reasons unknown. In 2018, Thomas's company, Special Auction Services, addressed the name change: "Thomas has been Thomas Forrester for some time now, so to avoid any further confusion, he decided it was high time his details were updated."

"Of course, those of you who know him as Thomas Plant will always call him as such, for the avoidance of doubt he is in fact one and the same!"

The antiques expert took to Instagram recently to reveal he had been experiencing an unusual tingling sensation in his hands, which led him to seek medical help. In a frank post about his condition, the BBC personality disclosed that he was diagnosed with a painful trapped nerve in his hand. An avid fencer, Thomas attributes the issue to his frequent engagement in the sport, saying: "The thing is I'm a fencer. I fence three times a week and I'm going to continue fencing."

He added, "They have released it [the trapped nerve] and massaged it and hopefully within a week it will sort of stop." Despite the pain, Thomas is determined to stay active, accepting 'the moans, the nibbles, the grunts' that come with it.

He also mentioned needing additional treatment for tennis elbow. Thomas married Angela in 2006, and they have twin daughters born in 2010, making their home in Cowley. However, there have been reports suggesting that Thomas and Angela have parted ways, with Thomas now reportedly in a relationship with Jessica Forrester, which is believed to be the reason behind his surname change.

Information about the private life of Thomas and Jessica is limited, as they prefer to maintain their privacy. According to a 2020 article by Newbury Today, the pair at one point made the move to Newbury in Berkshire.

When taking a break from deal-hunting, Thomas doesn't shy away from sharing his hobbies and "guilty pleasures". He confessed: "Skiing - it's the crisp blue sky, the peaked mountains, the squeak of fresh snow on your ski boots and the first run in the morning.

"My guiltiest pleasure, I just love it! " As for how he enjoys his relaxation time, he added, "Firstly, spending time with my children. I also like to work out and I very much enjoy CrossFit."