Bargain Hunt's John Cameron's life from health scare to sad reason he quit first job
Bargain Hunt, which is broadcast on BBC One, featured John Cameron as the expert guiding amateur teams in their quest for hidden gems.
John made headlines in 2024 when he took to social media to reassure his followers after a frightening health scare occurred just moments before he was set to film the popular BBC programme. John was swiftly taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, where he underwent an urgent operation to have a stent fitted.
Expressing his gratitude on Instagram, John praised the NHS staff, saying, "The paramedics 'Jess' and 'Cat' who transported me to Queen Alexandra Hospital with sirens blaring, and the amazing emergency team in theatre who fitted me with a stent unblocking the artery that caused me to have a heart attack just 10 minutes before I was about to film a BBC Bargain Hunt auction at my firm Nesbits in Southsea".
Visibly affected by the incident, he continued: "Not sure how many of my 9 lives still remain but I definitely lost one yesterday."
He also reflected philosophically, adding, "To quote the great ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, 'we have two lives, the second one begins when you realise you only have one'."
Following his hospital stay, John returned home to rest and seems to have made a good recovery.
Back in the swing of things, he shared insights into his early life and the reasons behind his choice to pursue a career in antiques.
Explaining his background, he mentioned: "I grew up around antiques as my grandfather was a dealer, however, on leaving school I served a five-year apprenticeship as a carpenter/joiner.
"As my £27.50 weekly YTS wages weren't enough, I supplemented my income by stripping, restoring and waxing antique pine furniture which was very fashionable in the late 1980s."
Yet, an injury compelled him to abandon this line of work, as he explained: "A re-occurring prolapse disc in my back forced me to give up my physical job and return to college where I undertook a three-year degree course at Southampton, studying fine art valuation.
"I followed this with two further years studying whilst working at an auction house to become a chartered surveyor of antiques and fine art."
Despite being content with his career trajectory, he did reveal an alternative path that intrigued him.
"If I wasn't working in the antiques trade, I would have loved to train as a chef," he confessed.
He expressed his enthusiasm for gastronomy and oenology, saying: "I am passionate about good food and wine, and love nothing more than watching cooking programmes over antiques programmes! Failing that, I would probably use my knowledge of carpentry and general building to renovate property."
Catch Bargain Hunt on BBC One, weekdays at 12.15pm.
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