December 15, 2020 - 16:00 GMT Francesca Shillcock Antiques Road Trip has been on our screens for over ten years now, but presenter Izzie Balmer is a new face to the show. However, the 31-year-old auctioneer and valuer is no less experienced than her co-stars, having worked her way up in the trade to become head valuer at the Wessex Auction rooms in Wiltshire.The antiques expert-turned-TV-star opened up about the challenges she faces in what is perhaps deemed a male dominated industry.
Speaking to Stylist earlier this year, Izzie explained:"I do sometimes get older men presuming that I don't know anything. It's just a matter of overcoming their pre-conceived ideas, winning them round and gaining their confidence." Describing a typical day at an auction, she added:"It's so exciting. There are bids flying everywhere on the internet, on the phone, in the room and commissions on the books – there can be a lot of drama and good tension."