Adrian Higham—affectionately known as Adi Higham—is one of Britain’s most recognizable antique dealers, rising to mainstream popularity through BBC One’s hit series The Bidding Room. With over 30 years in the antiques trade, a distinctive personality, and a remarkable personal transformation story, Higham has become a beloved figure among viewers and collectors across the UK.
This comprehensive guide explores every aspect of Adrian Higham’s life:
- ✔ His net worth
- ✔ His antique business
- ✔ His partner and family life
- ✔ His health struggles, illness, and weight loss journey
- ✔ His accident, hospitalization, and recovery
- ✔ His age, early life, shop details, and career timeline
Let’s dive into the full story behind one of the UK’s most memorable antique experts.
Who is Adrian Higham? — Early Life & Background
Adrian Higham is a British antique dealer, restorer, entrepreneur, and television personality, born in 1968 in the United Kingdom. From a young age, Adi developed a love for vintage French pieces, industrial antiques, reclaimed furniture, and unusual curiosities—a passion that eventually became his livelihood.
Higham’s rise to fame began when he joined BBC’s The Bidding Room where his humorous, warm, and confident approach made him an instant fan favourite. His expertise in identifying undervalued antiques and turning them into profitable pieces earned him respect within the industry.
Adrian Higham Net Worth (2025 Updated)
Net Worth: ~$1 million (USD)
Higham’s wealth comes from multiple sources:
- Hoof Brocante, his antique shop
- Buying/restoring/selling French and British vintage pieces
- Contracted TV appearances on The Bidding Room
- Private valuations and consultancy
- Event fairs and international buying trips
His net worth reflects three decades of experience, strong industry connections, and a loyal customer base.
Who is Adrian Higham’s Partner? — Meet Tara Franklin
Adrian Higham is married to Tara Franklin, an antique expert in her own right and Adi’s business partner at Hoof Brocante, located in Romney Marsh, Kent.
Together, they specialize in:
- French vintage furniture
- Decorative antiques
- Industrial salvage
- Retro home décor
- Architectural pieces
Their relationship is built on shared passion, mutual respect, and a strong partnership—personally and professionally.
Adrian Higham Wife & Family
- First Wife: Passed away in 2003, a tragedy that deeply affected Adrian.
- Second Wife: Tara Franklin
- Children: Higham keeps details private, but he has children and remains family-oriented.
Despite significant personal struggles, his family has been the foundation of his resilience.
Adrian Higham Illness — Health Struggles
Adrian Higham’s primary health challenge has been morbid obesity, which escalated over the years due to emotional stress, lifestyle choices, and limited mobility.
Major Health Complications Included:
- Breathing difficulties
- Reduced mobility
- Heart strain
- High-risk weight levels
- A near-fatal collapse in 2015
His situation became severe enough to require urgent medical intervention.
Adrian Higham Accident — The 2015 Health Scare
In 2015, Higham collapsed on a ferry while traveling—an incident directly linked to his weight and underlying health issues.
This near-death experience became a turning point, prompting him to:
- ✔ Seek professional medical treatment
- ✔ Begin a structured weight loss journey
- ✔ Make long-term lifestyle changes
- ✔ Reevaluate his future and health priorities
This event became widely known among fans who followed his recovery journey.
Adrian Higham Weight Loss Journey
Since 2015, Higham has undergone a significant and publicly inspiring transformation.
His weight loss methods included:
- Physician-supervised diet plans
- Increased physical activity
- Reduced sugar intake
- Rebuilding physical mobility
- Mental health support
- Consistent lifestyle changes
His journey has become a beacon of hope for viewers struggling with obesity. As of 2025, Adrian continues working toward better health with noticeable improvements.
Was Adrian Higham Hospitalized?
Yes. Following the ferry incident in 2015, he was hospitalized for urgent treatment. This hospitalization highlighted the seriousness of his condition and marked the beginning of his recovery journey.
Is Adrian Higham Still Alive in 2025?
✔ Yes — Adrian Higham is alive, active, and continues working in the antiques business in 2025.
Although he appears less frequently on television, he remains active in Hoof Brocante and various antiques events.
Adrian Higham Age (2025)
- Born: 1968
- Age: 57 years old
Despite health challenges, Adrian remains professionally active and continues travelling to source antiques.
Adrian Higham Shop — Hoof Brocante (Romney Marsh, Kent)
Hoof Brocante is Adrian and Tara’s signature antique shop located at Old Romney, Kent.
The shop is known for:
- High-quality French brocante
- Industrial antiques
- One-of-a-kind decorative pieces
- Garden antiques & salvage
- Rustic and farmhouse décor
- Hand-picked European items
Collectors across the UK regard Hoof Brocante as a trusted source for rare and authentic vintage finds.
Does Adrian Higham Have a Wikipedia Page?
No official Wikipedia page exists as of 2025, but his biography appears in:
- BBC profiles
- Antiques industry websites
- Interviews and press features
- Numerous online publications
How Adrian Higham’s Wife Tara Supported Him Through Illness
Tara Franklin played an essential role during Adrian’s health battles.
Ways Tara supported him:
- Emotional encouragement
- Helping manage lifestyle changes
- Running the shop during his recovery
- Motivating his weight loss journey
- Being a stabilizing influence after personal tragedies
Their bond remains one of the strongest aspects of Higham’s personal life.
Conclusion — Adrian Higham’s Inspiring Journey
Adrian Higham’s story is not just about antiques—it is about resilience, reinvention, and overcoming adversity.
- ✔ A respected antique expert
- ✔ A beloved TV personality
- ✔ A survivor of severe health challenges
- ✔ A devoted husband and family man
- ✔ A business owner who continues to thrive
His journey proves that with determination, support, and passion, personal transformation is always possible.
