Hettie Jago is a familiar face on our screens, regularly appearing as an expert on Antiques Road Trip. The jewellery-lover goes head-to-head with other well-known names in the antiques business with the hopes of finding quirky and valuable items on their travels around different areas of the UK.
Most recently, Hettie went up against Ishy Khan in Somerset, where they managed to scoop up a number of unusual items, including a vintage table ice hockey set and a large helter-skelter fairground game.
While Hettie’s elegant taste shines through on-screen, we’ve had a look at the 36-year-old’s life away from the cameras, and it comes as no surprise how she manages to locate some of the most beautiful jewellery pieces while on the road with the BBC show.
When she is not filming Antiques Road Trip, Hettie also works as the jewellery and silver auction room manager at Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers in her home city of Nottingham.
Hettie kickstarted her antiques career with the same company, starting off as a photographer and cataloguer back in 2020, working her way up the ranks to becoming an auctioneer and valuer before taking on her current role.
The antiques expert has always had a passion for creative history, graduating from the University of Cambridge with a degree in the history of art.
Hettie managed to put her degree skills to the test when she landed the role on Antiques Road Trip in October 2023. She announced the news on social media and was immediately sent supportive messages from her followers.
In a post on Instagram, Hettie said: “The secret is out! I’m so happy that I can finally announce that I’m the new expert on BBC Antiques Road Trip!
“For those of you who don’t know me, I’m an auctioneer and jewellery dealer from Nottinghamshire with a passion for silver jewellery. I’ve had the most fantastic year filming for the show, including some Celebrity episodes.
“The first of which is with the amazing @owainwynevans and @diannebuswell, and my fellow expert @davidharperart Tune in on Wednesday 18th October on BBC Two at 7PM. I can’t wait.”
Hettie was thrown in at the deep end with the celebrity version of the BBC show, which sees the experts paired up with a famous face as they offer their antiques advice with the chance to win a cash prize for charity.
Taking to the comments after Hettie’s announcement, one fan said: “A welcome addition!!” while a second added: “Great auctioneer!”
Hettie has been impressing fans of the show for the last two years, with many agreeing she is a great addition to the programme, complimenting the personalities of other cast members including David Harper and Izzie Balmer.
In addition to juggling her work commitments while filming for Antiques Road Trip, Hettie also shares two children with her husband, Tom. The couple met while studying at Cambridge and tied the knot in 2015.
According to The London Wire, Hettie and Tom live in London with their two children, Arthur and Matilda as well as their cockapoo called Bertie.
Although the family enjoy life in the capital, Hettie grew up in Nottingham and her passion for creativity didn’t fall far from the tree. Her dad collected antique furniture and her mum was a gardener and florist.