You might know Adrian Higham as the charming, sharp-eyed dealer from the BBC’s hit show, The Bidding Room. He quickly became a fan favorite for his enthusiasm for French antiques and his friendly demeanor. But lately, fans have been asking some big questions. Where has he been? Is he okay? And what is the truth about the rumors surrounding his personal life?
If you have been searching for answers about Adrian Higham—his health, his partner, or the recent headlines—you are in the right place. We are going to dig deep into his story, from his antique treasures to the real-life challenges he has faced off-screen.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Adrian “Adi” Higham |
| Date of Birth | September 1967 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 58 years old |
| Profession | Antique Expert, TV Personality, Business Owner |
| Famous For | Being a dealer on BBC’s The Bidding Room |
| Current Partner | Tara Franklin (Antique Textile Expert) |
| Relationship Status | In a long-term partnership (Previously widowed) |
| Business Name | Hoof Brocante |
| Shop Location | Romney Marsh, Kent, UK |
| Residences | East Sussex, UK and Normandy, France |
| Interests | Vintage motorcycles, French antiques, cycling |
| Net Worth | Estimated £1 million |
Who is Adrian Higham?
Adrian “Adi” Higham is a British antique expert, television personality, and business owner. He is best known for his role as a dealer on The Bidding Room, where he battles other experts to buy unique items brought in by the public.
Born in September 1967, Adrian has spent decades in the antiques trade. He isn’t just a TV star; he is a proper “knocker”—someone who has learned the trade from the ground up. His passion lies in “Brocante,” a French term for second-hand goods or flea-market finds. He has a special talent for spotting hidden gems in rusty tools, vintage motorcycles, and French furniture.
But Adrian is more than just a businessman. He is a father, a partner, and a man who has overcome significant personal tragedies to build a life he loves.
Is Adrian Higham Married?
This is one of the most common questions fans ask: Is Adrian Higham married?
The short answer is: No, he is not currently married, but he is in a very committed long-term relationship.
Adrian was married previously. Sadly, his first wife passed away in 2003. This was a heartbreaking time for him. Losing his wife left him as a single dad to his young children. He has spoken in the past about the deep grief he felt and how hard it was to raise a family while dealing with such a huge loss.
Today, he has found love again. He is in a serious partnership with Tara Franklin, who is not only his romantic partner but also his business teammate.
Meet Adrian Higham’s Partner, Tara Franklin
Who is the woman by his side? Adrian Higham’s partner is Tara Franklin. Like Adrian, Tara is deeply involved in the world of antiques. In fact, she is a textile expert with a keen eye for vintage fabrics and French design.
They are a power couple in the world of antiques. Together, they run their business, Hoof Brocante, and often travel to France to hunt for stock. Tara has been a huge support system for Adrian, especially during his recent health struggles and legal battles.
Fans love seeing them together because they share a genuine passion for history and beautiful objects. Tara isn’t just “Adrian Higham’s partner”—she is a talented expert in her own right.
Adrian Higham Weight Loss and Illness
In recent years, fans noticed a change in Adrian’s appearance. He looked slimmer, which led to searches about Adrian Higham weight loss and questions about his health.
Adrian has been open about his struggles with his weight. When his first wife died, food provided him with solace. His emotional eating led to his obesity, which posed serious health risks.
Health Problems and Illness: In 2015, Adrian collapsed while on a ferry. It was a terrifying moment that served as a wake-up call. Doctors warned him that his weight was putting a dangerous strain on his heart and body.
Realizing he needed to be around for his children, Adrian began a weight-loss journey. He didn’t just diet; he changed his lifestyle. He got into cycling and even took part in the “RideLondon” challenge to improve his health.
So, when people ask about Adrian Higham illness, it usually refers to this battle with obesity and the related health scares. However, more recently, his health has suffered due to stress. He has admitted to suffering a nervous breakdown due to legal issues with a neighbor, which we will discuss next.
The Truth About the Stalking Incident
You may have seen headlines mentioning Adrian Higham stalking or police involvement. This has been a very difficult chapter in his life.
What happened? Adrian and Tara became involved in a bitter dispute with a neighbor in their village of Rotherfield. What started as a disagreement escalated into a serious legal matter. Adrian was accused of harassment, and there were allegations of stalking.
Adrian has strongly denied being a stalker. He described the situation as “two and a half years of utter hell.” He claimed that he was actually the victim and that the stress caused him to have a mental breakdown.
Adrian Higham in Hospital: The stress from this “neighbor row” became so bad that it affected his mental and physical health. He may have felt suicidal and required medical attention for severe anxiety and depression, according to reports.
In early 2026, court hearings were still ongoing regarding these harassment allegations. It is a messy situation that has sadly overshadowed his TV work.
Adrian Higham on The Bidding Room
Why do we love Adrian on TV? It’s his mix of knowledge and kindness. On The Bidding Room, hosted by Nigel Havers, Adrian was known for being fair. He wouldn’t just try to get the lowest price; he often told sellers their items were worth more than they thought.
Is Adrian Higham still on The Bidding Room? Recently, Adrian has been absent from the show. He believes the BBC dropped him because of the ongoing police investigation and the stalking incident. He has expressed heartbreak over this, as he loved being part of the show and had a great reputation.
Despite this, repeats of the show still air, keeping him popular with new fans.
Where Does Adrian Higham Live?
Adrian splits his time between two beautiful locations.
- United Kingdom: He lives in Rotherfield, a village in East Sussex. This is where the neighbor dispute took place.
- France: He has a second home in France, specifically near the Normandy borders.
Where does Adrian Higham live in France? Adrian and Tara often retreat to their French home to escape the stress of the UK. They use this base to scour French markets (brocantes) for stock to bring back to England. The French lifestyle suits him perfectly—he loves the food, the pace of life, and, of course, the antiques!
Hoof Brocante: Inside Adrian’s Business
If you want to buy something from Adrian, you can! His shop is called Hoof Brocante.
Adrian Higham Shop Location: The business is located on the Romney Marsh in Kent.
What do they sell? Hoof Brocante isn’t your typical stuffy antique shop. It reflects Adrian’s personality. You will find:
- Auto parts and vintage motorcycles are his personal passion.
- Rustic French furniture.
- Garden ornaments.
- Quirky items that have a story to tell.
He runs this business with Tara. They hand-pick every single item, usually driving their van across Europe to find things you can’t buy anywhere else.
Adrian Higham Net Worth
How much is Adrian Higham worth? While Adrian hasn’t published his bank statements, experts estimate his net worth to be around £1 million.
This wealth comes from:
- Decades of buying and selling antiques.
- His appearances on TV shows like The Bidding Room and The Vintage French Farmhouse.
- His successful shop, Hoof Brocante.
He isn’t flashy with his money. He invests it back into his business and his passion for vintage engines.
Family Life: Adrian Higham Children, and First Wife
Adrian is very private about his children to protect them from the public eye.
Adrian Higham First Wife: As mentioned earlier, his first wife passed away in 2003. He does not talk about her often in public, likely out of respect for his children and the pain of that loss. However, it is clear that her passing shaped him into the resilient man he is today.
Adrian Higham Children: He raised his children as a single father for many years. He has mentioned in interviews that he used to take his kids with him on buying trips in his van. They grew up surrounded by antiques and adventure. Now that they are older, he has more time to focus on his life with Tara.
Is Adrian Higham Still Alive?
Yes, absolutely. Is Adrian Higham still alive? Yes.
Despite rumors that often circulate online about celebrities, Adrian is alive and active. The confusion might come from his health scares or his “disappearance” from new episodes of The Bidding Room. However, rest assured that he continues to work, acquire antiques, and live with Tara.
Adrian Higham Accident
There is a search term regarding an Adrian Higham accident. This likely refers to one of two things:
- His collapse in 2015: As discussed, he collapsed on a ferry due to health issues.
- Motorcycles: Adrian loves vintage bikes. In the antique world, “accidents” involving heavy furniture or machinery are common, but there are no recent reports of him having a major, life-threatening vehicle accident.
FAQs
1. How old is Adrian Higham?
Adrian was born in September 1967. As of 2026, he is 58 years old.
2. Who is Adrian Higham married to?
He is not legally married at the moment. His partner is Tara Franklin. His first wife passed away in 2003.
3. What illness does Adrian Higham have?
Adrian has struggled with obesity-related heart strain in the past. More recently, he suffered a nervous breakdown due to legal stress from a neighbor dispute.
4. Where is Adrian Higham’s shop?
His shop, Hoof Brocante, is located on the Romney Marsh in Kent, England.
5. What was Adrian Higham’s departure from The Bidding Room? Adrian believes that a police investigation into a harassment dispute with a neighbor led to his termination from the BBC.
6. Does Adrian Higham live in France?
He lives there part-time. He has a home near the Normandy borders where he spends time buying stock and relaxing with his partner, Tara.
Conclusion
Adrian Higham is more than just a face on TV. He is a survivor. From losing his first wife and battling obesity to fighting for his reputation in a messy legal battle, he has faced life’s hardest knocks. Yet, through it all, he has kept his passion for antiques alive.
Whether you miss him on The Bidding Room or just want to visit his shop in Kent, it’s clear that Adrian’s story is far from over. With Tara by his side and a shop full of treasures, he is still doing what he does best: finding the beauty in old things.
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