Adrian Higham: The Full Story Of The Bidding Room Star, His Illness, Career & Comeback

Adrian Higham’s story continues to fascinate viewers because it is a rare blend of talent, passion, vulnerability, and resilience. Known across the UK as one of the most charismatic dealers on BBC’s The Bidding Room, Adrian Higham—often lovingly called “Adi”—became a household name through his warm personality, infectious enthusiasm, and extraordinary eye for unusual antiques. His decades-long journey in the antiques world reveals a man who built his career entirely from passion rather than formal training. Yet beneath his cheerful TV presence, Adrian has faced some of life’s hardest battles, including obesity-related illness, the heartbreaking loss of his first wife, a frightening health collapse in 2015, and a recent legal dispute that pushed him into emotional crisis. Today, people search for him online because they want updates on his illness, weight loss, recovery, relationship with his wife Tara Franklin, his shop Hoof Brocante, and to know whether he is still alive. His life offers inspiration, caution, and hope all at once. This article explores his early life, rise to fame, struggles, transformation, business journey, marriage, net worth, and latest updates—painting the complete picture of a man who continues to inspire many.

Profile Bio: Adrian Higham

Who Is Adrian Higham?

Adrian “Adi” Higham is a British antiques dealer, restorer, business owner, and television personality celebrated for his quirky style and deep love of unusual, story-filled objects. He is widely recognized for his appearances on The Bidding Room, where his cheerful personality instantly won the hearts of viewers. Known for his preference for French brocante, mechanical curiosities, industrial antiques, and one-of-a-kind items, Adrian approaches antiques with emotion rather than commercial calculation. His love for every item he buys is genuine and rooted in storytelling, craftsmanship, and character. Fans admire him because he is authentic—exactly the same off-screen as he is on-screen—friendly, funny, and kind-hearted. He treats antiques not just as commodities but as precious pieces of history that deserve a new chance at life. His public image reflects a man who is passionate, relatable, and refreshingly real in a world where many TV personalities are overly polished.

Early Life & Background — The Beginnings of a Collector

Adrian Higham was born in 1968 in the United Kingdom and grew up in an environment far removed from wealth or luxury. His fascination with old objects began very early in life, when he found himself drawn to things that were broken, discarded, or simply forgotten. As a child, he visited local car boot sales, markets, and flea fairs where he would examine old bicycles, signs, tools, and anything with character. This curiosity grew into a lifelong passion, shaping his future career long before he even realized it. Adrian never received formal training in antiques; instead, he educated himself through hands-on experience, observation, and trial and error. His first significant antique deal happened at age 21 when he bought an old bicycle for £10 and sold it for £90—a moment that ignited both confidence and ambition. From that point forward, Adrian knew he had found his calling.

Starting His Antiques Career — Passion Turned Profession

Adrian Higham’s antiques career officially took shape when he began buying and selling items full-time, traveling across markets and fairs in search of hidden gems. Over time, he developed a distinctive style that blended rustic British antiques with industrial French brocante. His taste leaned toward unusual objects—old machinery parts, industrial furniture, metal signage, vintage tools, and quirky mechanical devices—items that matched his personality and often appealed to designers seeking unique décor. The early years of his business were difficult; income was unpredictable, and competition was fierce. But Adrian persevered through every setback, refining his eye for value and learning what customers truly wanted. His regular buying trips to France helped him establish a signature identity within the antiques community. As years passed, his reputation grew steadily, and he became known as one of the UK’s most trusted, knowledgeable, and creative antique dealers.

Hoof Brocante — The Antique Business That Became His Identity

Hoof Brocante, located in Romney Marsh, Kent, is the heartbeat of Adrian Higham’s professional world. Co-founded with his wife Tara Franklin, the shop is a treasure-filled space decorated with unique French brocante, industrial salvage, vintage tools, garden décor, rustic household items, and artistic curiosities. Unlike many antique shops that prioritize high-end luxury pieces, Hoof Brocante focuses on charm, character, and history. Adrian often describes his business philosophy as “Sell what you love,” and this approach has helped him build a loyal customer base across the UK. The shop attracts decorators, collectors, designers, and everyday buyers seeking items with authenticity and personality. Hoof Brocante also reflects Adrian’s creativity—every corner tells a story, every piece has been chosen with intention, and the atmosphere feels welcoming rather than intimidating. The shop has influenced modern British interior trends by promoting eclectic mixes, rustic textures, and the beauty of imperfections.

Rise to Fame — Adrian Higham on BBC’s The Bidding Room

Adrian Higham became a television sensation through BBC’s The Bidding Room, a daytime show where antique dealers compete to purchase unique items brought in by the public. Adrian’s joyful laughter, heartfelt reactions, emotional storytelling, and playful interactions made him an instant favorite. He wasn’t the typical stiff, overly professional expert—instead, he was warm, approachable, and genuinely excited about unusual finds. Viewers loved how his face would light up when he discovered something special, or how he encouraged sellers by sharing stories about the item’s potential. His appearance on the show introduced antiques to a new generation and made the trade feel accessible and fun. Adrian’s national fame grew as audiences appreciated both his knowledge and his sincerity, making him one of the show’s most beloved personalities.

Personal Life — Marriage, Family & Emotional History

His First Wife — Love, Loss, and Life-Changing Grief

Adrian Higham’s life took a heartbreaking turn in 2003 when his first wife passed away unexpectedly. Her death left him emotionally shattered and contributed to years of depression, anxiety, and unhealthy coping habits. Grief consumed him, and he turned to food for comfort, leading to rapid weight gain and declining health. This tragedy marked the beginning of his long struggle with obesity, which later nearly took his life. Adrian has often spoken about how deeply this loss affected him, shaping not only his emotional world but also his physical health. It was a trauma that stayed with him for years, influencing his lifestyle, mental state, and career path.

Tara Franklin — Wife, Business Partner & Lifelong Support System

After years of emotional turmoil, Adrian found companionship and renewed strength through his relationship with Tara Franklin. Tara, an antique expert herself, became both his partner in life and business. Together, they run Hoof Brocante, travel across Europe for buying trips, and share a creative, passionate approach to antiques. Tara played a crucial role during Adrian’s health battles, supporting him through weight loss, illness, and even legal disputes. Her presence brought stability, hope, and grounding into Adrian’s life at a time when he needed it most. Their partnership is admired by many in the antiques world for its authenticity and devotion.

Health Struggles — Illness, Obesity & The 2015 Collapse

Adrian’s weight had been a concern for years, especially after his first wife’s passing. His emotional struggles led to uncontrolled eating and unhealthy habits, eventually pushing him into severe obesity. This affected his breathing, mobility, heart health, and overall stamina. In 2015, Adrian suffered a terrifying collapse on a ferry, an incident directly linked to his weight and underlying health conditions. He was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment—a moment that forced him to confront the seriousness of his situation. The collapse became a major turning point, pushing him toward lifestyle changes and a renewed focus on survival and self-care.

Weight Loss Journey — Transformation Through Determination

Following the collapse, Adrian Higham committed himself to a life-changing transformation. In 2017, he joined the Prudential RideLondon Fixing Challenge, a program designed to help individuals regain fitness through structured training, personalized diet plans, and strong mentorship. Adrian embraced this journey wholeheartedly, steadily losing weight and rebuilding his physical and emotional strength. His discipline, resilience, and willingness to fight for his health inspired many fans who followed his story. Adrian has described this journey as a shift in philosophy—placing “Life first, career second.” His progress has been slow but steady, reflecting determination and hope even during setbacks.

Legal Troubles — The Neighbour Dispute & Stalking Accusation

In recent years, Adrian Higham faced unexpected legal drama involving a dispute with a neighbour. The conflict escalated to the point where police were involved, leading to Adrian’s arrest and the issuing of a Stalking Protection Order (SPO). Adrian described the experience as “utter hell,” saying he suffered a nervous breakdown during the ordeal. The case resulted in him being temporarily dropped from The Bidding Room, which further affected his emotional health. Fortunately, after review, the SPO was withdrawn, and the case was closed. Adrian and Tara have both spoken about the trauma, emphasizing how deeply the experience affected them. The ordeal left them shaken but grateful to finally move forward.

Recent Life — Recovery, Reflection & Current Activities

Today, Adrian Higham lives a more peaceful, private life, focusing on recovery and mental well-being. He continues running Hoof Brocante with Tara and travels occasionally for antiques buying trips. Adrian updates fans from time to time on social media, though he has stepped back from regular public posting due to negativity he faced during the legal dispute. Fans frequently ask if he will return to television, but Adrian has expressed mixed feelings, once saying, “Television was my dream… I wish I hadn’t done it.” Despite this, he remains a beloved figure, and many hope to see him back on-screen in the future. Importantly, he is alive, active, and still deeply passionate about antiques.

Net Worth & Financial Overview

Adrian Higham’s estimated net worth is around £1 million, built over decades through the antiques trade, Hoof Brocante, television earnings, private valuations, consultancy work, and buying trips in the UK and France. His financial success is particularly inspiring because it stems from pure passion, not privilege. Adrian started with nothing—no formal training, no investors, no wealth—only curiosity and determination. His journey shows how passion, resilience, and authenticity can lead to a fulfilling and prosperous career, even in a competitive field like antiques.

Legacy — Why Adrian Higham Matters in the Antiques World

Adrian Higham’s impact reaches far beyond television. He changed the way many people think about antiques—showing that objects do not need to be perfect, expensive, or rare to have value. His emotional connection to historic items reminded audiences that every object carries a story worth preserving. He encouraged younger collectors, inspired people to start antique businesses, and helped revive interest in French brocante and industrial vintage. His personal struggles and resilience also inspired thousands who saw reflections of their own battles in his journey. Adrian’s legacy is defined by authenticity, passion, and the courage to rebuild after loss.

Conclusion

Adrian Higham’s story is a tapestry woven from joy, resilience, heartbreak, recovery, and triumph. From a self-taught collector to a nationally loved antiques expert, from a grieving widower to a transformed survivor, Adrian has lived a life marked by extraordinary highs and devastating lows. His battles with illness, emotional trauma, and legal disputes did not break him—they shaped him into a more reflective, grounded, and determined man. Today, Adrian remains a respected figure in the antiques industry, a mentor through his story, and an inspiration to anyone fighting silent battles. His journey reminds us that passion can build a career, love can rebuild a life, and resilience can rewrite a future.

FAQs About Adrian Higham

1. Who is Adrian Higham?
Adrian Higham is a British antique dealer, restorer, and TV personality best known for appearing on BBC’s The Bidding Room. He owns Hoof Brocante in Kent and has over 30 years of experience in antiques.

2. What illness did Adrian Higham have?
Adrian Higham struggled with severe obesity, mobility issues, and a near-fatal collapse on a ferry in 2015. His health crisis led to hospitalization and a major lifestyle transformation.

3. Is Adrian Higham still alive?
Yes, Adrian Higham is alive in 2025. He continues running his antique business Hoof Brocante and maintains a quieter public life after stepping away from television.

4. Who is Adrian Higham’s wife?
Adrian Higham is married to Tara Franklin, an antique expert and co-owner of Hoof Brocante. She supported him through health struggles and legal challenges.

5. Why did Adrian Higham leave The Bidding Room?
Adrian Higham stepped away from The Bidding Room after a stressful neighbour dispute that led to a temporary Stalking Protection Order. Although the case was later dropped, the ordeal caused him emotional distress and he chose not to return to TV.

Read More: Meet Mercedes Spall: The Private Daughter Of Timothy Spall