BBC Bargain Hunt star shares real reason for launching new show away from auction series: 'Right time'
Irita Marriott took on a new role
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Antiques Roads Trip star Irita Marriott took the plunge and opened her own auction house in Derbyshire, Melbourne, becoming one of the only women in the UK to do so.
She is set to reveal how she came to the decision and the process of launching her own auction house in an upcoming documentary that will debut on Really.
The 40-year-old recently sat down with Hello! and revealed that it was her two sons who inspired her to make the decision, along with her lifelong friends she made on the BBC programme.
Marriott 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.
Despite having over a decade of experience, Marriott noted that opening an auction house came with a lot of unique challenges, including the pressure of a new business on top of being a mum.
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."
Marriott may have some "full-on" challenges but added it has been rewarding in the sense she is able to put a smile on her auctioneer's faces.
"It's been incredibly rewarding seeing all those people leave our auction with smiles on their faces and grateful that we have passed on the items that they no longer needed to someone who will cherish them again."
Irita Marriott admitted that she felt it was the 'right time' to take the plunge
She helped one family take away a staggering £28,000 thanks to her auction house.
Marriot hasn't forgotten her roots and admitted she needed to "pinch herself", considering herself lucky to be able to be doing the job she is and providing for her family.
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."
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Irita Marriott has been part of the show since 2021
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The programme's sister show Antiques Roadshow has also been seen roaring success over the years, but Fiona Bruce recently made her feelings clear about the show's future.
She told Woman's Weekly: "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. That's the brutal reality of TV. You rarely leave at a time of your choosing."