Adrian Higham is more than just a TV personality—he is a passionate antique dealer whose life story inspires thousands. Known for his warm and approachable presence on BBC’s The Bidding Room, Adrian built his career through curiosity and determination, not privilege. His journey includes personal loss, life-threatening health challenges, and a legal controversy, yet he turned every obstacle into growth and resilience.
From running his renowned Hoof Brocante shop in Kent to transforming his health and achieving financial success, Adrian’s story blends passion, perseverance, and inspiration. This article explores his life, career, net worth, and comeback in simple, engaging English for readers worldwide.
Quick Facts About Adrian Higham
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Adrian “Adi” Higham |
| Birth Year | 1968 |
| Age (2025) | 57 |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Antique Dealer, TV Personality, Restorer |
| Famous For | BBC’s The Bidding Room |
| Business | Hoof Brocante |
| Location | Romney Marsh, Kent, UK |
| Wife | Tara Franklin |
| First Wife | Passed away in 2003 |
| Health Issues | Severe Obesity, 2015 Collapse |
| Weight Loss | RideLondon Fixing Challenge (2017) |
| Net Worth (2025) | ~£1 Million |
| Status | Alive and active |
Early Life: A Young Collector’s Passion
Adrian Higham grew up in a modest home in the UK. From a young age, he was fascinated by forgotten objects—broken bicycles, old tools, and discarded antiques. These early interests sparked a lifelong love for unique items and storytelling.
Without formal antiques training, Adrian learned through hands-on experience, observation, and trial and error. At 21, he bought an old bicycle for £10 and sold it for £90—a moment that gave him confidence to pursue antiques as a career.
Turning Passion into a Career
Adrian’s antiques career grew gradually. He traveled across the UK and France, sourcing:
- French brocante
- Industrial antiques
- Vintage tools & mechanical curiosities
The early years were financially challenging, but Adrian Higham consistency and eye for unusual items gradually earned him a reputation as one of the UK’s most trusted antique dealers.
Hoof Brocante: Building a Business with Heart
Hoof Brocante, based in Romney Marsh, Kent, is Adrian Higham’s main business. Together with his wife Tara Franklin, Adrian runs a shop focused on authenticity and character, rather than luxury pricing.
The shop attracts collectors, designers, and everyday buyers seeking items with history and personality. Adrian Higham philosophy—“Sell what you love”—has built a loyal customer base and a respected reputation in the antiques community.
Rise to Fame: BBC’s The Bidding Room
Adrian became a household name through The Bidding Room, a show where dealers bid on antiques brought in by the public.
Viewers loved his cheerful demeanor, emotional storytelling, and passion for items. His approachable nature made antiques fun and accessible, especially to younger audiences.
Personal Life: Love, Loss, and Support
His First Wife
In 2003, Adrian lost his first wife unexpectedly. The tragedy led to emotional struggles, depression, and weight gain, affecting his health and career.
Tara Franklin
Later, Adrian found love and stability with Tara Franklin. She became his wife, business partner, and strongest support system, helping him navigate both personal and professional challenges.
Health Challenges and Recovery
Adrian Higham emotional struggles led to severe obesity, culminating in a near-fatal collapse on a ferry in 2015.
Determined to recover, Adrian joined the RideLondon Fixing Challenge in 2017, adopting a disciplined routine and healthy lifestyle. He gradually lost weight, rebuilt strength, and regained both physical and emotional health.
Legal Controversy: The Neighbour Dispute
Adrian faced a stressful legal dispute with a neighbor, escalating to police involvement and a temporary stalking protection order.
Though the case was later dropped, the ordeal caused significant emotional stress and contributed to his decision to step back from television. Despite this, Adrian focused on recovery, business, and personal growth, showing resilience in adversity.
Net Worth & Financial Success
Adrian Higham estimated net worth in 2025 is ~£1 million, earned through multiple income streams:
| Source | Details |
| Hoof Brocante | Primary business earnings |
| TV Appearances | BBC’s The Bidding Room |
| Antique Dealing | Buying & selling in UK & France |
| Private Sales | High-value antique pieces |
| Consultancy | Valuations & expert advice |
His wealth is notable for being earned through passion, hard work, and consistency, not privilege.
Impact on the Antiques World
Adrian Higham changed how people perceive antiques. He showed that story and history matter more than perfection or rarity. His approach inspired new collectors, revived interest in French brocante and industrial antiques, and made antiques more relatable to TV audiences.
Life Today
As of 2025, Adrian leads a balanced life, focusing on Hoof Brocante, occasional buying trips, and mental well-being. While stepping back from television, he remains respected, admired, and influential in the antiques community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is Adrian Higham?
British antique dealer and TV personality known for BBC’s The Bidding Room.
2. Is Adrian Higham alive?
Yes, he is alive and actively runs Hoof Brocante in 2025.
3. How did he lose weight?
Participated in the RideLondon Fixing Challenge in 2017 and adopted a healthy lifestyle.
4. What is Hoof Brocante?
Adrian Higham antiques shop in Kent, UK, focusing on unique, story-filled items.
5. What is Adrian Higham’s net worth?
Approximately £1 million in 2025 from antiques, TV, private sales, and consultancy.
6. Who is Adrian wife?
Tara Franklin—his wife and business partner.
7. Why did he leave The Bidding Room?
Due to legal stress and personal challenges, he stepped back to focus on health and business.
8. What made Adrian popular on TV?
His cheerful personality, storytelling, and approachable attitude toward antiques.
Read Also: Billie Eilish net worth comparison
Welcome to captionconnect! Ali Haider is a passionate writer and digital creator sharing insights on technology, lifestyle, and personal growth through engaging content that inspires readers.
