Quick Fact Box
| Particulars | Details |
| Full Name | Adrian “Adi” Higham |
| Age in 2026 | 58–59 years (born 1967/1969) |
| Profession | Antique Dealer, TV Personality, Business Owner |
| Business | Hoof Brocante (Romney Marsh, East Sussex) |
| Current Partner/Wife | Tara Franklin (business partner & wife) |
| Previous Marriage | First wife passed away in 2003 |
| Known For | Regular dealer on BBC’s The Bidding Room |
| Net Worth (2026 Estimate) | Approximately £500,000 – £1 million+ |
| Specialty | French antiques, vintage furniture & collectibles |
Adrian Higham, affectionately known as Adi, has become one of the most recognizable faces in British daytime television through his warm personality and sharp eye for antiques on BBC One’s The Bidding Room. Beyond the cameras, his life story reflects deep passion for historical objects, personal resilience after profound loss, and steady professional growth alongside his wife Tara Franklin.
Real Age and Early Background
As of 2026, Adrian Higham is approximately 58–59 years old. Most sources place his birth year between 1967 and 1969, making him a late-50s figure who brings decades of hands-on experience to the antiques world.
Little is publicly detailed about his very early childhood, but Adrian developed a love for antiques and vintage items at a young age. Growing up in the United Kingdom, he was drawn to objects with history and character rather than modern mass-produced goods. This early fascination laid the foundation for a lifelong career. Before television fame, he built practical expertise through buying, selling, and restoring pieces, often traveling to source unique finds from across Europe, particularly France.
Career Path as an Antique Dealer
Adrian Higham’s career as an antique dealer spans several decades. He specializes in French antiques, vintage furniture, lighting, and decorative collectibles. His business, Hoof Brocante, is based in Romney Marsh, East Sussex, and has become well-known among collectors for its curated selection of high-quality European pieces.
Before The Bidding Room, Adrian honed his skills through years of market stalls, antique fairs, and private client dealings. He developed a reputation for honest valuation, storytelling around each piece, and a genuine enthusiasm that connects with buyers. Tara Franklin, his spouse and partner in business, enhances his efforts through her knowledge of textiles and experience in managing events like the Penshurst Vintage & Antiques Fair.
Their joint operation allows them to source stock across the UK and France, restore items thoughtfully, and maintain a sustainable antiques business in an increasingly digital market.
Rise to Fame on The Bidding Room
Adrian Higham gained widespread recognition as a regular dealer on BBC One’s popular daytime show The Bidding Room. The format sees members of the public bringing unusual or sentimental items to a group of dealers who bid against each other in a friendly, competitive atmosphere.
Adi quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his approachable demeanor, knowledgeable insights, and kind negotiating style. Viewers appreciated his ability to spot hidden value while showing respect for the stories behind everyday objects. His appearances helped introduce the wider public to the world of antiques dealing and boosted interest in vintage and upcycled home décor.
The show provided Adrian with national exposure, new business opportunities, and a platform to share his passion. Even as the series evolved, his consistent presence contributed significantly to his public profile.
Wife Tara Franklin and Their Relationship
Adrian Higham is happily married to Tara Franklin, who is both his life partner and active business collaborator. Tara is a respected textiles expert with a strong eye for vintage fabrics, soft furnishings, and decorative elements that pair beautifully with Adrian’s furniture and lighting finds.
Their relationship is often described as a true partnership. They work side by side at Hoof Brocante, travel together for sourcing trips (including to France), and support each other’s strengths. Tara also organizes antiques and vintage events, adding another dimension to their shared enterprise.
Adrian has spoken warmly about Tara, calling their life together one of the best things that has ever happened to him. In 2026, they continue to split time between East Sussex and occasional stays near the Normandy borders in France, blending work with a grounded lifestyle.
Past Marriage Loss and Personal Struggles
Before his life with Tara, Adrian experienced profound loss. His first wife tragically passed away in 2003. This devastating event became a major turning point that deeply affected him emotionally and physically.
In the years following, Adrian struggled with emotional eating and significant weight gain. He has been open in interviews about how grief led to comfort eating, which at one point became severe enough to impact his health — including an incident where he passed out on a ship in 2015. These challenges tested his resilience but also shaped his perspective on life, family, and what truly matters.
Adrian has credited the support of loved ones and his eventual partnership with Tara for helping him navigate this difficult chapter and find renewed purpose.
Net Worth Update in 2026
As of 2026, Adrian Higham’s net worth is estimated in the range of £500,000 to £1 million+ (approximately $650,000 – $1.3 million USD). Exact figures are not publicly disclosed, as is common for private antiques dealers, but the estimate draws from multiple income streams:
- Profits from Hoof Brocante sales and inventory of high-value antiques
- Earnings from television appearances on The Bidding Room
- Income from antique fairs, private commissions, and restoration work
- Investments in collectible pieces that appreciate over time
His wealth reflects decades of expertise rather than overnight success. Adrian maintains a practical rather than flashy lifestyle, reinvesting in stock and enjoying a comfortable home life with Tara. Recent estimates suggest his net worth has grown steadily thanks to increased visibility from the show and strong demand for quality vintage items.
Family Life and Current Journey
In 2026, Adrian Higham prioritizes a balanced family-oriented life with Tara Franklin. While specific details about children from his first marriage or any shared children remain private, the couple focuses on their shared passions and supportive home environment.
They live primarily in East Sussex, with connections to France, enjoying the quieter aspects of countryside life alongside their business activities. Adrian has described his current chapter as one of gratitude — valuing the stability and joy he has found after earlier hardships.
Their joint work in antiques allows them to blend professional fulfillment with personal time, whether sourcing new treasures or hosting vintage events.
Recent Challenges and Comeback Story
Adrian has faced public challenges in recent years, including a reported neighbor dispute in 2025 that led to legal proceedings and significant personal stress. He described the period as “utter hell” for two years and even posted on social media about wishing he had never entered television because of the unwanted attention it sometimes brings.
Despite these difficulties, Adrian showed resilience. He stepped back from some public aspects while reaffirming that his life with Tara remains his top priority. His ability to navigate health struggles after 2003, emotional loss, and more recent controversies demonstrates a pattern of quiet comeback and focus on what matters most — family, passion for antiques, and personal well-being.
Business Ventures and Professional Growth
Adrian’s core business, Hoof Brocante, continues to grow as a respected destination for French-inspired antiques and vintage finds. The venture benefits from Tara’s textiles expertise, creating a cohesive offering that appeals to interior designers, collectors, and homeowners seeking character-filled pieces.
Beyond the shop, Adrian participates in antique fairs and has expanded his reach through television. His professional growth includes sharper valuation skills, better storytelling around items, and adapting to online interest in sustainable, pre-loved furniture. In 2026, the couple continues exploring new sourcing opportunities while maintaining the personal touch that defines their brand.
Life Story and Achievements in 2026
Adrian Higham’s life story in 2026 is one of passion meeting perseverance. From early days building knowledge in the antiques trade to becoming a familiar face on The Bidding Room, he has turned a personal hobby into a respected career.
His achievements include:
- Establishing a successful antiques business with his wife
- Gaining national recognition through BBC television
- Overcoming personal loss and health challenges with resilience
- Creating a stable, loving partnership later in life
At nearly 59, Adrian continues to inspire viewers and fellow dealers with his enthusiasm for preserving history through objects and his reminder that new chapters are always possible after difficult times.
FAQs
How old is Adrian Higham in 2026?
Adrian Higham is approximately 58–59 years old in 2026 (born around 1967–1969).
Who is Adrian Higham’s wife Tara Franklin?
Tara Franklin is Adrian’s current wife and business partner. She is a textiles expert who works alongside him at Hoof Brocante and organizes vintage and antiques events.
What is Adrian Higham’s net worth right now?
Estimates for 2026 place his net worth between £500,000 and £1 million+, earned through his antiques business, television work, and collectible investments.
What happened in Adrian Higham’s first marriage?
Adrian’s first wife tragically passed away in 2003. Her death was a profound loss that led to emotional and physical struggles, including significant weight gain, which he later worked to overcome.
What is Adrian Higham known for on TV?
He is best known as a regular antique dealer on BBC One’s The Bidding Room, where his friendly style and expertise in valuing unusual items have made him a viewer favorite.
Bottom Line
Adrian Higham’s journey showcases resilience, passion for antiques, and steady personal growth. From building a successful career as a dealer to appearing on The Bidding Room, overcoming the loss of his first wife, and finding happiness with Tara Franklin, his story continues to inspire. In 2026, he balances public recognition with a quiet family life built on strength and new beginnings.
