Remembering Michael Baggott: The Flog It! Star’s Legacy, Life, Net Worth and Tragic Passing

Michael Baggott, a well-known antiques expert and fan-favorite from BBC’s Flog It!, sadly passed away at the age of 51. His sudden death from a heart attack, following months of health struggles, has left a void in the antiques world and among his many fans. His final months were marked by both resilience and heartbreaking moments, as he shared candid updates about his declining health on social media.

For those who admired Michael Baggott’s expertise, wit, and love for antiques, let’s take a look at his incredible journey, his impact on the industry, and the personal battles he faced before his passing.

A Passion for Antiques That Started Young

Born in Birmingham, England, Michael Baggott was fascinated by antiques from an early age. His love for fine craftsmanship, particularly silverware, led him to purchase his first antique – a Chester silver Vesta case – for just £22 while he was still in school. That small investment sparked a lifelong career in the antiques world, one that would eventually make him a household name.

After studying at university, Michael joined Christie’s, one of the world’s leading auction houses, as a student. His deep knowledge and passion helped him secure a role at Sotheby’s, where he led the southern silver department for four years. Eventually, he moved into a private consultant role, offering expert advice on antique silver, boxes, and fine metalwork.

His Rise to Fame on Flog It! and Other TV Shows

Michael Baggott became a familiar face to millions when he joined BBC’s Flog It! in the early 2000s. The show, which debuted in 2002, quickly became a daytime TV favorite, as it allowed members of the public to have their heirlooms valued by experts before being put up for auction.

Baggott’s expertise in antique silver and small works made him one of the show’s standout specialists. His deep knowledge, paired with his no-nonsense yet charming personality, won him a dedicated fanbase. Beyond Flog It!, he also made appearances on Bargain Hunt and Antiques Roadshow, often calling out inaccuracies in antique valuations with his signature sharp wit.

Sadly, Flog It! was axed in 2018 as part of the BBC’s effort to revamp its daytime schedule, but Michael’s expertise and passion for antiques continued to shine through his writing and consultancy work.

A Highly Respected Expert and Accomplished Author

Michael wasn’t just a TV personality—he was an accomplished author in the field of antiques. One of his most notable works, An Illustrated Guide to York Hallmarks 1776 – 1858, remains a highly regarded resource among collectors and dealers.

Throughout his career, he maintained a no-nonsense approach to antiques, always advocating for accuracy and thorough research in a field where misinformation could easily spread. His high standards earned him respect not just from fans but also from fellow antique experts who valued his dedication to preserving history.

A Heartbreaking Health Battle

In October 2024, Michael suffered a stroke, which marked the beginning of a challenging health battle. He was hospitalized for months at Good Hope Hospital in Birmingham, where he candidly documented his struggles through social media.

His final months were filled with both humor and frustration. Despite facing serious health issues, he continued to engage with his followers, often using humor as a coping mechanism. On December 10, 2024, he tweeted:

“Life-changing events give you a new outlook, a new peace, a new gentility, a different frame of mind… BUT you’d have to run me over with a steamroller, several times, before I thought you’d get anywhere near £6-800 for this!!!”

However, behind the humor, there was deep pain. He often expressed his frustration with the hospital’s treatment, claiming he had been left dehydrated for long periods and was receiving inadequate care. In a particularly distressing video recorded from his hospital bed, he claimed:

“I’m dying of thirst in a British NHS hospital and no one seems prepared to do anything about it.”

He praised the junior doctors and nursing staff, calling them the “saving grace” of the hospital, but criticized senior management and consultants, whom he accused of neglecting patient care.

Despite these challenges, he remained hopeful. In his final days, he shared that he was starting to feel “happier” and “more hopeful.” But tragically, on January 2025, he suffered a fatal heart attack, ending his fight.

A Life Remembered: Tributes Pour In

Following the news of his passing, tributes flooded in from colleagues, fans, and fellow antique experts.

Bargain Hunt’s Charles Hanson called him “a giant of the antique industry” and described him as “our Arthur Negus”, referring to the legendary BBC antiques expert.

Nick Hall, a fellow Flog It! expert, praised him as “a true connoisseur and ambassador of the antiques world.”

BBC Presenter Roo Irvine expressed her sadness, sending condolences to his family, while Bargain Hunt’s Colin Young remembered him as someone who “made so many people smile.”

Personal Life and Net Worth

Michael Baggott was a deeply private individual when it came to his personal life, but it is known that he came from a working-class background—his father was a wholesale market trader in Birmingham. Despite his growing success, he remained humble and focused on his passion for antiques.

As of 2025, Michael’s estimated net worth was around £1.5 million ($1.9 million USD), largely built from his television work, antique consultancy, and published books.

While he didn’t share much about his family life, it was clear that he was a beloved son, brother, nephew, and uncle, as mentioned in the statement announcing his passing.

A Legacy That Lives On

Michael Baggott was more than just a TV expert—he was a passionate historian, a fierce advocate for accuracy in antiques, and a man who never hesitated to speak his mind. His humor, expertise, and larger-than-life personality made him a beloved figure in the world of antiques.

Though his life was cut short at just 51 years old, his impact will live on through his work, his books, and the countless fans and colleagues who admired him. Whether it was calling out an incorrect date on Antiques Roadshow or sharing his love for a well-crafted silver piece, Michael Baggott left his mark on the world in a way few can.

Rest in peace, Michael. Your passion and knowledge will never be forgotten.

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