David Dickinson likes to personally set the records straight (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
It’s hard to imagine Dickinson’s Real Deal without David Dickinson.
The separation of the two isn’t just difficult because it would mean dropping one-third of the words from the title, but because his spirit makes the ITV series what it is.
However, in recent years there have been some reports that they are considering a replacement.
To stop the rumour mill from continuing, David, 83, came up with a grand plan to stop the mutterings after being certain someone had planted the story.
‘It would have been fed by somebody for some particular reason. Why? I don’t know.
‘Perhaps the agent of a replacement person would have an interest to do that,’ David theorised, while speaking to Metro through an iD Mobile campaign.
Dickinson’s Real Deal began in 2006 and he has no plans to leave it yet (Picture: ITV)
Not being one to stand back and let things happen he told his agent: ‘Well, this is b******t, I need to go on Loose Women or on This morning, and I need to say I am not retiring.’
That’s exactly what happened, in 2023 he sat down on the ITV lunchtime show and told viewers: ‘Fake news as Donald Trump would say!’
David informs us that 20-30 new episodes of the show will likely be made this year. The episodes see the public bringing their antiques to dealers, who make cash offers for the items. David gently guides proceedings to ensure everyone gets a price they can be happy with.
On top of Dickinson’d Real Deal he is also dreaming of taking on something completely new – a travel show.
‘Perhaps I could get a hint to someone that I’d like to do a travel show with somebody interesting,’ he marveled. Hoping to help him on his mission, we ask who his vacay buddy could be.
David leans back in his chair, sitting comfortably in silence as he ponders the question. After a moment of reflection he leans forward once more with his prepared answer. ‘Shirley Ballas!’ he proclaimed, as if finally cracking a difficult equation. He explains that the Strictly Come Dancing judge is an ideal option as she’s a glamorous Northern girl with a sense of fun.
David would like to make a travel show with Shirley Ballas (Picture: Ian West/PA)
In recent times, we’ve seen a myriad of random celebrity combinations from Katherine Ryan and Joe Wilkinson testing bargain holidays to Mel Giedroyc and Martin Clunes exploring Britain, so commissioners could be open to David’s pitch.
Those who love The Traitors (so everyone?) could also be happy to hear David has already told his agent that he ‘fancies that show’. Despite our best prying, he doesn’t want to divulge yet whether his preference is faithful or traitor just in case a potential co-star reads. ‘I actually want to win it,’ he explained as justification for his withholding.
Whatever the future holds, David does not wish for retirement, instead hoping to continue on TV for as long as he’s healthy. However, he also acknowledged the fickle nature of his job could prevent that. ‘TV has changed dramatically over the last 18 months due to streaming.’
David is in agreement with Beyoncé, pointing out that nobody is irreplaceable. ‘Never get the idea you can’t be replaced because you can,’ he warned. That may be true, but he’s pretty close. Who else could proclaim ‘cheap as chips’ and ‘real Bobby Dazzler’ with such honest enthusiasm. His trademark look of a deep tan and luscious locks also ensure he stands out from the crowd.
‘I’ve got all my own hair. A lot of men of my age lose their hair early. I seem to have been very fortunate,’ he proudly shared. ‘My grandfather was Armenian, and I’ve just been lucky that I’ve got the right genes. I just keep plodding along. I look okay for my age.’
A valuable piece of advice has guided David (Picture: David Fisher/Shutterstock)
Since bursting onto our screens on Antiques Roadshow in 1998, David has been plodding well and has consistently been in work (Bargain Hunt, The David Dickinson Show and Name Your Price have all had him at the helm) and he puts this largely down to one piece of valuable advice.
‘When I started 28 years ago I was very lucky to work with a young producer, who said: “Listen, David, when that camera turns on and looks at you it can spot a fake every day of the week, be yourself, don’t try and be something you’re not.”
‘And believe you me, that camera will catch you out. The camera isn’t a living thing, but it sees all.’
There’s also the matter of being someone that others want around, and he partly credits this to his happy upbringing. David was adopted by a ‘wonderful, normal, working into middle class family’.
‘A lot of adopted children have difficult times but I had a wonderful childhood. I was loved by many and so I grew up very positive and happy,’ he shared with a smile.
‘I learned early on that it doesn’t cost anything to be nice. I was taught if a lady got on a bus you stood up to give up your seat, to open the door for people and help the elderly with their bags. They were kind of normal everyday things.’
David and Lorne married in 1968 (Picture: Cliff Kent/Shutterstock)
With wife Lorne Lesley, David has raised children of his own, Robert and Katrina, whom he adopted from Lesley’s previous marriage. He is also a grandfather to four, including to Myles, 21, who briefly joining David in the TV world.
The entrepreneur appeared on Dragons’ Den and successfully gained investment in his stylish personalised credit cards business. Steven Bartlett gave £35,000 in return for a 35% share in his company.
David by his own admission has made ‘a good living’ so we ask whether Myles came directly to him for cash injection.
Myles secured investment on Dragons’ Den (Picture: BBC)
‘You’ve got to find your own way. I’ve always gone by the rule there are no free lunches in life.
‘Also, to be honest with you, when he told me about his business I was a little bit skeptical. I didn’t think he’d be allowed to change the look of a credit card, but apparently you can do that,’ he admitted with a laugh.
‘I really wasn’t that informed, shall we say. But now he’s doing well, and hopefully, fingers crossed, he’ll do well in the future, but not as well as me,’ David joked. ‘I am trying to give him advice now and he keeps saying, “Gramps, leave it to me. I know what I’m doing”.’ But there are definitely worse people to take advice from than David Dickinson.
David Dickinson’s partnership with iD Mobile
David Dickinson has partnered with iD Mobile (Picture: WILL_IRELAND)
David Dickinson has partnered with iD Mobile to highlight the incredible quality and value of refurbished mobile phones, helping savvy shoppers save hundreds of pounds on popular devices.
Fully tested and warranty-assured for performance and reliability, these pre-loved phones are a smart choice for bargain hunters. With iD Mobile, you can save an average of £250 a year (compared to major networks), making it easier than ever to stay connected without breaking the bank.
A national poll revealed that many Britons are reluctant to consider preloved phones and remain unaware of the quality and savings that they offer.
‘It’s a super idea,’ David told Metro. ‘The refurbished mobile phones have gone through the factory, and have been completely overhauled, looked at, cleaned and put out as a second hand mobile. They are virtually new.’
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David Dickinson: ‘I said I need to go on Loose Women – this is b******t’
