World Record-Holding Auctioneer Renowned From BBC’s ‘Bargain Hunt’, ‘Flog It!’ & ‘Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is’
Charlie Ross’s Biography:
Charlie Ross is a British auctioneer, antiques expert and television personality best known as one of the regular hosts of the BBC’s Bargain Hunt. Renowned for his expertise in antiques, collectables and classic cars, Charlie has built an international reputation within the auction industry over a career spanning more than six decades. Combining specialist knowledge with humour and charisma, he has become one of the UK’s most recognisable antiques broadcasters and live auctioneers.
Charlie began his auctioneering career in 1963 after leaving school, initially selling livestock, including chickens and turkeys, before moving into antiques and fine art. His passion for collectables and valuation quickly established him as a respected auctioneer, eventually leading to senior positions within the international auction world. He later became Chief Auctioneer at the Russian art auction house MacDougall’s while continuing to expand his reputation in specialist car auctions and antiques sales.
Alongside his auction career, Charlie became a familiar face on British television through programmes including Bargain Hunt, Flog It!, Antiques Road Trip and Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is. As one of the regular presenters and experts on Bargain Hunt, he became known for his entertaining style and deep knowledge of antiques markets. Beyond television, Charlie also gained global recognition for his work auctioning prestigious classic cars, conducting major auctions including Pebble Beach in California and Scottsdale in Arizona for Gooding & Company.
Throughout his career, Charlie has overseen record-breaking sales, including a Ferrari 250 GTO sold for more than $38 million and a 1935 Duesenberg that sold for $22 million in 2018, setting a US auction record at the time. He has also raised significant sums for charity through fundraising auctions supporting organisations including Great Ormond Street Hospital, The Elton John AIDS Foundation and BBC Children in Need. Through his work in television, auctioneering and philanthropy, Charlie remains one of the most respected and entertaining figures in the antiques industry.
Why Hire Charlie Ross?
Charlie is hired as a speaker and auction host for his extraordinary expertise in antiques, collectables and live auctioneering gained across more than 60 years in the industry. His experience handling record-breaking sales and presenting major BBC programmes makes him a highly engaging and knowledgeable event personality.
Recognised as one of the leading faces of BBC’s Bargain Hunt and the auctioneer behind multi-million-dollar classic car sales, Charlie combines humour, storytelling and specialist expertise in every appearance. His talks cover topics including antiques, valuation, business, negotiation and live events, making him an outstanding choice for conferences, awards ceremonies and charity auctions.
Charlie Ross’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Charlie Ross’s remarkable career:
- 2025 – Set a personal auctioneering record while selling a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione for $25.3 million at Gooding Christie’s.
- 2018 – Raised more than £1 million for Great Ormond Street Hospital through a charity auction.
- 2018 – Sold a 1935 Duesenberg for $22 million, setting a US auction record for the model.
- 2012 – Set the record for the largest profit achieved on BBC’s Antiques Road Trip.
- 2011 – Sold a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Prototype for more than $16 million.
- 2000s – Became one of the regular presenters and experts on BBC’s Bargain Hunt.
- 2000s – Appeared as an antiques expert on BBC programmes including Flog It! and Antiques Road Trip.
- 2000s – Conducted the Pebble Beach Vintage Car Auction in California for Gooding & Company.
- 2000s – Conducted the Scottsdale Auction in Arizona for Gooding & Company.
- 1990s – Became Chief Auctioneer at the Russian art auction house MacDougall’s.
- 1963 – Began his auctioneering career selling livestock after leaving school.
Videos
Charlie Ross’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Dear Charlie, thank you so much for your kind e-mail that ‘beat me to it’. All those present obviously thoroughly enjoyed your speech. It was most entertaining. Some of the comments were: ‘The best speaker yet’, ‘Brilliant!’, ‘What a lovely chap’ and I could go on. From Jo and myself, it was a real pleasure to meet you. We thoroughly enjoyed your company at dinner and hope to see you again” – Steve, Hon Secretary, AVLP
“This is just a small note to say a huge thank you for Wednesday evening. We raised a large amount of money which is a huge help for the athletes going to PyeongChang and you played a huge part of that. Your enthusiasm and skill to working the room was incredible. It was a hard room, and I know you were poorly during the day but you would have never known. I have had so much positive feedback about the night and your engaging section of the evening, even to those who weren’t bidding. Charlie did a fabulous job on the evening and we have received many letters of thanks for the evening with Charlie mentioned on more than one occasion. Charlie was also a delight to work with and has a charm which many would die for.” – Annie, LEX (on behalf of Team GB)
“As you can imagine Charlie was fabulous, a real character and added much to our Ball last week.” – Sylvia, Jersey Hospice Centre
“Charlie was, yet again, fantastic and it was such a pleasure to have his support again – I don’t know quite how he gets so much money out of people and leave them smiling! Please could you extend our personal thanks to Charlie? He really is such a lovely person and really added massively to the evening, playing a huge role in our beating our record fundraising this year.” – Jonathan, CEO, CareTech Foundation
“Really positive, he was great, raised more than we hoped! Great to work with, very kind, understood the audience and got the best out of them” – CareTech Foundation
“Could you please let Charlie know we have had some lovely feedback from our visitors and vehicle exhibitors. He had a chat with one guy called Clarence, and I have had a couple of calls since from Clarence to say meeting and talking to Charlie really made his weekend. A few of our vehicle exhibitors went over to see Charlie’s talk and the feedback that I got back was that they had a great time with Charlie. We have had a few known people come and do talks with us, and with hand on heart, I have to say that Charlie has been my favourite, he was engaging and funny and I think if he did talk to people for 2 hours people would have been happy to sit and listen for 2 hours. What a lovely gentleman with genuine warmth about him that people can relate to” – Carrieann, Events Coordinator, RHS Garden Rosemoor
Speaking Topics
Charlie Ross’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Antiques and Collectables
- Business & Negotiation
- Charity Auction & Live Events
- Hosting
How Much Does Charlie Ross Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Charlie Ross?
Charlie Ross’s speaking fees typically reflect his exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.