David Dickinson, the much-loved TV antiques expert and presenter, shows no signs of retiring despite his age. Known for his work on daytime television, Dickinson fronted the BBC's Bargain Hunt from 2000 to 2004 and has presented his own series, Dickinson's Real Deal, since 2006. The 84-year-old Cheshire resident has openly shared aspects of his past and family life.
Is David Dickinson Married?
David Dickinson is married to Lorne Lesley, a former cabaret performer. The couple exchanged vows in 1968. Lorne was working as a cabaret performer when she met Dickinson at a nightclub in the 1960s. As a wedding gift, she presented him with an antique regency mourning ring. The couple resides in Cheshire.
Lorne is a recognisable figure in television, having appeared on programmes such as All Star Mr & Mrs, The Good Old Days, In Melbourne Tonight, and Thank Your Lucky Stars. She has also appeared alongside her husband on shows like Dealing with Dickinson and This Is Your Life. During her early career, she performed as a vocalist on programmes including De muziekkampioen and Nuorten tanssihetki.
In a 2017 interview with The Mirror, David said: "Lorne lets me think I'm the master of my own home. Any girls who know what they're doing lets their man think they're in charge, but we know we're not really."
Does David Dickinson Have Children?
Following their marriage, David adopted Lorne's two children from a previous marriage, Robert and Katrina. The couple first met in Manchester and have since become doting grandparents to Aim'ee, Lauren, Myles, and Finley.
Finley joined Dickinson on the second series of Big Star's Little Star, while Myles, now a successful entrepreneur, made his mark on series 20 of Dragons' Den, becoming the youngest participant ever to successfully secure backing from a Dragon.
David reflected on meeting his wife on his website, explaining: "Lorne is half African and half Welsh and hails from Tiger Bay, just like Shirley Bassey. Lorne is very glamorous, a lovely striking lady, and she has more talent in her little finger than I have in my whole body! When I met Lorne Lesley I was working in the textile industry, but I was ready for a change of career and as I got to know Lorne better we decided I should become her manager. Together we travelled the world. It was during this time that my interest in antiques began to flourish."
Dickinson's Real Deal airs on ITV on weekdays at 2pm.
