BBC Bargain Hunt presenter Roo Irvine, known for her vibrant style and antique expertise, has disclosed her real name is Arusha Irvine, with 'Roo' being a nickname. The Scots TV personality, a fan favourite on Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, previously worked in senior marketing roles before a family tragedy changed her career path.
In 2013, Irvine's father passed away suddenly, followed three weeks later by her father-in-law's death from cancer. She and her husband Mark left their corporate jobs to care for their widowed mothers. During this difficult period, they founded Kilcreggan Antiques in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Irvine described the shop's origin as 'out of some of my darkest days came a sliver of light.'
Her antique business flourished, catching the attention of Antiques Road Trip producers who visited the shop. This led to a presenting role on the show, and she has since become a regular on Bargain Hunt for nine years. Irvine has also appeared on Flipping Profit, Celebrity Antiques Roadtrip, Mastermind, House of Games, and Pointless, and hosts her own podcast and radio show Roo's Rhythms on Lomond Radio.
Irvine married Mark in 2012. Mark serves as an Independent councillor for Lomond North on Argyll and Bute Council, elected in May 2022, and chairs the Helensburgh and Lomond area committee. The couple live in Scotland with their two Maine Coon cats and continue to run Kilcreggan Antiques.
