Adrian Higham, widely recognized as one of the prominent faces in the UK’s antique industry, gained national fame for his participation in the BBC One show The Bidding Room. As a skilled antique dealer, his reputation in the world of auctions and collectibles is substantial. Adrian, who goes by the nickname “Adi,” has spent decades working in the antiques trade, a journey that began with humble roots and grew into a successful career.
Although most well-known for his appearances on television, Adrian’s story spans far beyond the small screen. His life has included significant personal challenges, including health issues and the loss of loved ones, which have shaped his character and career. In this blog post, we will take a deeper look into Adrian Higham’s life, including his career, family, health, and more.
Adrian Higham’s Early Life and Career
Born in 1969, Adrian Higham’s early years were spent in the United Kingdom. As a child, he developed an interest in antiques, although his path into the industry was far from typical. Higham’s initial foray into the world of antiques came by chance. In his youth, he purchased a mountain bike at a local auction for £10 and sold it for £90, which sparked his interest in buying and selling. This simple transaction set the foundation for what would later become a long and successful career in antiques.
His professional journey saw him dealing in various vintage and antique items, gradually building a reputation for his keen eye and unique finds. Over the years, he worked across different antique markets and established himself as a reliable and knowledgeable dealer. This expertise ultimately led him to the world of television.
Adrian Higham on The Bidding Room
Adrian Higham’s big break into the public eye came when he joined the cast of the BBC One show The Bidding Room. The show, which aired during daytime hours, brought together a group of dealers who competed to offer the highest bid for items brought in by the public. Adrian’s sharp bidding skills and engaging personality quickly made him a fan favorite. His presence on the show was marked by his calm demeanor, wit, and extensive knowledge of antiques.
His appearance on The Bidding Room brought him a level of fame that transcended the usual niche popularity associated with antique dealers. Adrian quickly became one of the standout figures on the show, with viewers appreciating both his expertise and his down-to-earth personality. As the show gained traction, Adrian’s profile as an antique dealer rose, attracting more attention to his business and his personal life.
Adrian Higham’s Net Worth
As of 2025, Adrian Higham’s net worth is estimated to be around £1 million. This wealth is largely the result of his long career in the antiques industry, coupled with the additional revenue from his appearances on The Bidding Room. Adrian’s business, which specializes in French decorative antiques, vintage furniture, and rare collectibles, has been thriving for decades. His business, Hoof Broncate, which operates from two old buildings on an RAF base near the Romney Marshes on the East Sussex/Kent border, continues to be a successful venture.
In addition to his antique business, Adrian’s fame from the TV show has likely contributed to his financial success, though it’s clear that his passion for antiques and his decades of experience are the primary drivers behind his wealth.
Adrian Higham’s Family and Personal Life
Adrian’s family life has had its share of ups and downs. He was married to his first wife, who tragically passed away in 2003. Her death marked a pivotal moment in Adrian’s life, and it led to a period of emotional struggle. In the years following her passing, Adrian’s personal life remained relatively private, but in time, he met Tara Franklin, who would become his second wife.
Tara Franklin, like Adrian, is involved in the antiques business and plays a significant role in helping run the family business. She is described as a skilled hostess and someone who shares Adrian’s passion for antiques and vintage items. Together, they have built a life in East Sussex, where they continue to work on their business and support each other through the challenges they face.
The couple’s relationship has been a stabilizing force for Adrian, and Tara has been a supportive partner throughout his personal and professional struggles. The couple is known to be close-knit and enjoys a relatively private life despite Adrian’s public persona.
Adrian Higham’s Health Struggles and Weight Loss
Over the years, Adrian Higham has faced significant health challenges, particularly concerning his weight. After the death of his first wife, Adrian struggled with his weight, which increased dramatically. This weight gain became a major issue for him, culminating in a concerning health crisis in 2015 when he collapsed on a ferry due to his excess weight. At the time, Adrian weighed an alarming 36 stone (504 pounds), and doctors warned that his health was in serious jeopardy.
Determined to make a change, Adrian took part in the Prudential Ride London Fixing Challenge in 2017. This initiative involved a customized fitness program, including diet and lifestyle changes, to help participants improve their health. Adrian’s participation in this challenge marked a turning point in his life. With professional guidance, he was able to shed a significant amount of weight, which not only improved his physical health but also boosted his mental well-being.
Adrian has since continued to focus on his health, and his weight loss journey has been both a personal victory and a source of inspiration to others. Despite these challenges, Adrian has remained resilient, balancing his career and family life with his commitment to bettering his health.
Adrian Higham’s Illness and Health Problems
Aside from his well-known weight issues, Adrian has faced other health problems throughout his life. His family has a history of diabetes, and the risk of developing this condition has been a major concern for him. His commitment to losing weight and improving his lifestyle was driven, in part, by the desire to break the cycle of illness that had plagued his relatives.
Adrian’s health problems have not been confined to his weight alone. In the years following his wife’s passing, he has struggled with mental health issues, including depression. These challenges have made his journey even more difficult, but Adrian has remained open about his struggles and used his story to help others facing similar battles.
Adrian has also been an advocate for mental health awareness, speaking publicly about the importance of seeking help and addressing one’s emotional well-being. His openness about his own health problems has endeared him to many fans and followers, who appreciate his candidness and honesty.
Adrian Higham’s Accident and Hospitalization
In addition to his struggles with weight and health, Adrian has had to deal with other personal setbacks, including accidents. As mentioned earlier, in 2015, he collapsed due to his weight while on a ferry. This incident was a wake-up call for Adrian and prompted him to take immediate action toward improving his health. However, this was not the only time Adrian found himself in the hospital.
Adrian’s health problems, particularly those related to his weight, have necessitated several visits to the hospital over the years. These health scares have played a significant role in his transformation, as they highlighted the need for drastic changes in his lifestyle. Adrian’s commitment to making those changes was not just about shedding pounds but also about ensuring that he could continue living a full and healthy life for himself and his family.
Is Adrian Higham Still Alive?
As of 2025, Adrian Higham is still alive. Despite the health challenges he has faced over the years, including his weight issues and mental health struggles, Adrian remains active in his business and continues to live in East Sussex with his wife, Tara Franklin. He is focused on maintaining his health and well-being while continuing to operate his successful antique business.
Adrian’s absence from the media over the past few years has led some to speculate about his whereabouts and health, but he has maintained a relatively low profile since his time on The Bidding Room. His fans and followers continue to support him, and many are encouraged by the positive changes he has made in his life.
Conclusion
Adrian Higham’s journey from a passionate antique dealer to a television personality and health advocate is a story of resilience and transformation. His career in the antiques business, combined with his appearances on The Bidding Room, have made him a household name in the UK. However, it is his personal struggles, particularly his battle with weight and health issues, that have shaped his life in significant ways.
Today, Adrian is living a more balanced life, thanks to his dedication to improving his health and his strong support system in the form of his wife, Tara. While his career and public appearances may have slowed down, Adrian Higham’s legacy as an antique dealer and his inspiring health journey continue to resonate with many.
FAQs
- Who is Adrian Higham?
Adrian Higham is a renowned British antique dealer and television personality, best known for his role on The Bidding Room. - What is Adrian Higham’s net worth?
Adrian Higham’s estimated net worth is around £1 million, earned through his antique dealing business and television appearances. - Is Adrian Higham married?
Yes, Adrian Higham is married to Tara Franklin, who also works with him in the antique business. - What health challenges has Adrian Higham faced?
Adrian has struggled with significant weight issues, which led to health scares and a focused effort on weight loss. - What happened to Adrian Higham’s first wife?
Adrian Higham’s first wife passed away in 2003, which had a profound impact on his life and health.
