Flog It! antiques expert Michael Baggott dies aged 51

29 January 2025, 15:32 | Updated: 29 January 2025, 17:24

Michael Baggott, antiques expert and star of the BBC TV show Flog It!, has died at the age of 51, a social media statement has confirmed.

Baggott died in hospital after suffering a heart attack - and had also experienced a stroke in October, a post on his Facebook page said on Wednesday.

He was well known among fans of the programme, which aired from 2002 to 2020, and had a particular interest in speciality silver and spoons.

Rob Unsworth, head of BBC daytime and early peak commissioning, said he was "deeply saddened" to hear of his death, describing him as one of Flog It's "most memorable characters".

He said: "Though the series hasn't been in production for several years, we hope Michael's family can take comfort from how much viewers have continued to enjoy his appearances on this ever-popular show."

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Auctioneer Charles Hanson, who also appeared on Flog It! and owns Hansons Auctioneers, described him as a "giant of our antique industry".

He recalled how Baggott was "never afraid" to call out an expert when they were wrong - including himself.

"Michael's thirst for knowledge for the 'object within' merited far more TV time too for a true and proper expert," he added.

Baggott's career saw him progress to Christie's auction house and then become head of silver at Sotheby's Billingshurst.

He worked as a private consultant in antique silver, carried out his own research, and was a published author.

According to the social media announcement, a memorial service will be held for him in the coming weeks.