IT’S the cult show loved by pensioners and students alike.

But as Bargain Hunt celebrates its 10th anniversary, one man knows more than most about why it remains so popular.

Since Oxford antiques expert Thomas Plant joined the BBC show eight years ago, he has become one of its most recognisable faces and will next month be the subject of a one-hour special to mark the anniversary.

Mr Plant, 35, has lived in Cowley with his wife, Angela, for four years. They have 11-month-old twins.

When he’s not touring the country helping contestants pick out a bargain at car boot sales, he runs an auction service near Reading.

He said: “I can’t believe how quickly it has gone – I’ve had a brilliant time.

“I was originally an auctioneer in the show but I was really rude about the items which the experts had chosen. I was later asked to be an expert.

“I have been able to go all over the country and met some fantastic people with the show.”

The series was launched in March 2000 with David Dickinson, who became famous for his “cheap as chips” catchphrase.

Since 2003 the show has been presented by former Sotheby’s director Tim Wonnacott and it still regularly attracts audiences of 2.5 million.

Mr Plant said: “David obviously became very famous and it was under him the show first became known.

“But Tim has been a great presenter.

“They are both larger-than-life characters, although they are very different.

“Filming is great fun and you build up a great rapport with other experts. On average we will shoot four shows in three days.”

During the past decade more than 700 programmes have been broadcast and the format remains the same – teams have to spot bargains at an antiques fair and sell the items for profit at auction.

Mr Plant said: “The best piece I ever spotted was some Pilkington’s Royal Lancastrian Pottery. I told my contestants to buy it, even though it cost £200 of their £300. It later sold for £680 and they were delighted.

“Making a profit in antiques dealing requires knowledge, but also a lot of luck. You just have to hope the seller doesn’t know what they are selling.”

Series editor Pete Smith said the show has boosted people’s understanding of the antiques world.

He said: “Bargain Hunt has encouraged people to collect and also opened the doors to auction sale rooms for many people.”

l Mr Plant’s show will be broadcast on BBC One on Thursday, March 18, at noon.