Since joining the BBC’s Antiques Road Trip in 2023, Hettie Jago has quickly become a fan favorite, charming audiences with her expertise in jewelry and her infectious enthusiasm for the hunt. As one of the newest faces on the beloved program, Jago appears alongside a seasoned team, including Natasha Raskin Sharp, Izzie Balmer, Raj Bisram, and Ishy Khan. Her rise within the antiques world, both on and off the screen, has been marked by a blend of deep-rooted passion, academic achievement, and a knack for uncovering hidden gems.
Raised in Somerset by parents who were avid collectors of antique furniture, Jago’s fascination with antiques was cultivated from a young age. Her mother, a florist, helped hone her eye for beauty and design, while her father’s collecting pursuits introduced her to the world that would become her career. According to Express, “She cultivated a love for antiques from an early age, with jewellery becoming her speciality.” Jago’s upbringing was further enriched by the creative pursuits of her family; her brother Willjum is a well-known content creator with a YouTube gaming channel boasting 1.85 million subscribers, and he proudly celebrated his sister’s television debut on social media.
Jago’s education set the stage for her future success. She attended St Paul’s Girls’ School in London, a prestigious institution, before earning a degree in History of Art from Cambridge University in 2011. Her academic background provided a solid foundation for her understanding of art, history, and the intricate craftsmanship of jewelry—her chosen field within the antiques world.
Following her studies, Jago sought hands-on experience at renowned auction houses. She worked at Bonhams, one of the world’s most respected auctioneers, and later at Arthur Johnson & Sons Auctioneers in Nottingham. At Arthur Johnson & Sons, she started as a photographer and cataloguer in 2020, but her talent quickly propelled her into the role of auctioneer and jewelry valuer within just eight months. As reported by Filmogaz, “Her expertise particularly shines in mid-20th-century silver and gemstone jewelry, as well as antique furniture.”
Jago’s growing reputation in the auction world did not go unnoticed. Her deep knowledge of mid to late 20th-century jewelry—especially silver and gemstone pieces—caught the attention of television producers searching for new talent. In October 2023, she made her Antiques Road Trip debut during a star-studded episode featuring Dianne Buswell of Strictly Come Dancing fame and broadcaster Owain Wyn Evans. The response from viewers was immediate and overwhelmingly positive, leading to her becoming a permanent cast member by November 2023.
On social media, Jago has been candid about her excitement and gratitude for joining the show. Sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses with co-host Ishy Khan, she posted, “All of these amazing people have been a joy to work with. I can’t thank the Road Trip team enough for all the fun, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the episodes.” In another Instagram announcement, she revealed, “The secret is out! I’m so happy that I can finally announce that I’m the new expert on BBC Antiques Road Trip! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m an auctioneer and jewellery dealer from Nottinghamshire with a passion for silver jewellery. I’ve had the most fantastic year filming for the show, including some celebrity episodes.”
Jago’s expertise extends beyond the television screen. She operates her own online business, Hettie Jago Jewellery, specializing in pre-owned and vintage pieces. Her shop offers a curated selection of silver and gemstone jewelry, reflecting her personal taste and professional focus. According to Everything Gossip, “She runs an online business named Hettie Jago Jewellery that focuses on second-hand jewellery.” Her dual role as a dealer and television expert allows her to bring a unique perspective to the antiques she encounters, often sharing insights that resonate with both novice collectors and seasoned enthusiasts.
Despite her growing public profile, Jago values her privacy and rarely shares personal details on social media. What is known is that she married Tom Jago, a fellow Cambridge graduate and software developer, in 2015. The couple resides in London and are parents to two children: Arthur and Matilda. Their family life also includes a cockapoo named Bertie, adding another layer of warmth to her off-screen persona. As Filmogaz notes, “She is married to Tom, a software developer she met at university; they married in 2015 and live in London with two children, Arthur and Matilda, and a cockapoo dog named Bertie.”
Jago’s television career isn’t limited to Antiques Road Trip. She has also appeared on Bargain Hunt, another BBC favorite, further cementing her reputation as a trusted voice in the world of antiques and auctions. Her approach—combining scholarly knowledge with practical experience—has resonated with audiences and colleagues alike. She frequently collaborates with veteran experts such as David Harper, traveling across the UK in search of the next great find. According to Filmogaz, “Hettie frequently collaborates with veteran antique expert David Harper, competing to uncover the finest antiques in Scotland.”
Jago’s journey is a testament to the enduring appeal of antiques and the stories they tell. Her ability to connect with viewers, whether through a screen or across the auction floor, comes from a genuine love of her craft. She brings a fresh perspective to Antiques Road Trip, balancing the thrill of competition with a deep respect for the objects and histories she encounters.
Fans eager to see more of Jago’s adventures won’t have to wait long. Upcoming episodes of Antiques Road Trip are set to air on BBC One at 4:30 PM on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, with Celebrity Antiques Road Trip following on BBC Two at 7:00 PM. As she continues her journey, both on the road and in the world of antiques, viewers can look forward to many more discoveries—and perhaps a few surprises—along the way.
Whether she’s evaluating a rare silver brooch, sharing a laugh with fellow experts, or balancing her roles as a mother and business owner, Hettie Jago’s story is one of passion, expertise, and quiet determination. Her presence on Antiques Road Trip has not only enriched the show but has also inspired a new generation to appreciate the beauty and value of the past.