Tim Wonnacott revealed the most prized item in his possession. The chartered auctioneer, 74, has been the narrator of since it began in 2010 and was a regular on from 2003 until 2015. Having followed in the footsteps of his father, Major Raymond Wonnacott, who was an auctioneer in South West England, Tim has more than 50 years experience in the world of antiques.

He joined Sotheby's, one of the world's largest brokers of fine and decorative art, jewellery, and collectibles, in 1978 and became a director of the company seven years later. He stepped down in 2003, the same year he replaced David Dickinson as the daytime host of Bargain Hunt. Tim has laid eyes on unique antiques more than most people, but there is one that he values above all others.

Just one month before he departed Bargain Hunt, Tim revealed what his most "prized possession" was. Speaking to , the antiques expert shared: "A rare solid silver De La Rue Pelican pen from 1896 worth £2,000 which I bought at auction with a toast rack and a silver bowl for £600."

Ten years on since the interview, it's highly likely the pen would have only increased in value. for "personal reasons" when he suddenly departed the programme after 12 years.

Despite his sudden exit, the TV presenter continued to lend his voice to Antiques Road Trip and its celebrity edition.

In his statement at the time, Tim said: "I am pleased to have been part of Bargain Hunt for so many years and have thoroughly enjoyed every one of my, roughly, 1,200 programmes hunting out bargains with the contestants. Alongside continuing to voice Antiques Road Trip for the BBC, I look forward to developing new programme ideas."

The BBC paid tribute to his significant role on the show, stating: "We would like to thank Tim Wonnacott for his dedication to Bargain Hunt over the last twelve years and for the great expertise that he has brought to the show in that time."

Hints at major behind-the-scenes changes were dropped by the broadcaster, indicating that Bargain Hunt would be "moving in a new direction" from 2016.

Further details regarding Tim's exit were not disclosed, as the BBC refrained from commenting on "individual staff matters". However, it was later reported that he departed from the programme after a confrontation with producers and alleged complaints from staff at BBC Bristol.

Less than three years after his departure, Tim announced that he was planning to sell the country estate he shared with wife Helen and relocate to Australia. Their 10-acre West Sussex estate, complete with a tennis court and four-bedroom farmhouse, was sold for £2.75million in 2019.