Irita Marriott has had a successful career in antiques after starring on Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip - but last year took the plunge and opened her own auction house.
The BBC star recently sat down with Hello! and revealed that it was her two sons who inspired her to make the decision, however, made her feelings clear when it came to starring on the shows in the future.
Speaking to Hello!, Marriott spoke of her growing success and explained that she hadn't forgotten her humble beginnings: "I have to pinch myself every single day because I consider myself so lucky to be able to do a job that I love and have all of this going on around me when I think of where I came from.
"Everybody is headhunted and I was just a small-time dealer from Latvia, I didn't have a background in history or education in art or antiques," noting how determined she was to make it on the show.
"No one was ever going to come look for me, so I went and looked for them when I thought the time was right."
Whilst Marriott has been busy working away, fans won't need to worry about whether or not she is leaving the shows and she confirmed: "I would never want to stop that, because I really, truly enjoy that. I hope I can carry on for the next 20, 30 years!"
Irita Marriott stars on Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip
BBC
Marriott also described the move as "the next most natural step" in her career and added: "I thought it was time for a change and the Auction House was the next obvious thing.
"Being a dealer, I am my business. If I have a day off, I don't earn and I have nothing I can pass on to my boys when the time comes. But at the same time, there's absolutely zero pressure. But by having an auction house it gives them the option."
Juggling her busy career with family life, she added: "It's always a challenge being a working mum. I've got two kids and a husband and it's a real juggle."
"I couldn't do this if it wasn't for the support of my family. They have been absolutely incredible through the process and have had my back every single step of the way. I'm very lucky. But I'm not afraid of hard work and they know that."
Irita Marriott discussed her plans for the shows in future
BBC
The 40-year-old has been inundated with support from her Antiques Road Trip friends including Mark Hill told Marriott: "Oh my God, he's an absolute sweetheart.
"That trip with him, I gained so much positivity from that and an incredible friend for life. He's like my big little brother."
Whilst Marriott is hellbent on staying, Antiques Roadshow host Fiona Bruce recently opened up about the future of the beloved BBC series.
She reflected during an interview: "Nothing lasts forever, I've been doing Antiques Roadshow for 15 years. Maybe next run, they will ring changes. I'll be sad but I will totally accept it.
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irita Marriott opened her own auction house
BBC
"That's the brutal reality of TV. You rarely leave at a time of your choosing."
Speaking to Woman's Weekly, she went on to say she is "pretty relaxed about it all".
