Adrian “Adi” Higham is a British antiques expert and television personality best known as one of the standout dealers on the BBC One series The Bidding Room. He runs the antiques business Hoof Brocante, specializing in French vintage items, industrial decor, and quirky collectibles like toys and automobilia. While there have been no reports of him suffering from a serious physical illness, Higham revealed in late 2025 and early 2026 that he had suffered a “nervous breakdown” and severe mental health struggles due to a long-running legal dispute with a neighbour, which he claims led to his departure from the BBC show.
With his booming laugh, flat cap, and eye for the eccentric, Adrian Higham—better known as “Adi”—quickly became a fan favourite on daytime television. As a core dealer on Nigel Havers’ The Bidding Room, Higham won over audiences with his passion for “bonkers” items and his straight-talking negotiation style.
However, behind the cheerful television persona, Higham has faced significant personal and professional turbulence in recent years. From his roots dealing in motorcycles to his current legal battles that have made headlines, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the man behind Hoof Brocante.
Early Life and Career: The “Accidental” Dealer
Adrian Higham did not set out to be an antiques expert. His entry into the trade was a happy accident born out of a love for mechanics and a sharp eye for profit.
The Mountain Bike Deal
Higham’s career began at the age of 21. As the story goes, he bought a second-hand mountain bike at a local village auction for a nominal sum (reportedly around £10). He cleaned it up and sold it shortly after for ten times the price. The “buzz” of that profit hooked him instantly. He realized that with a little knowledge and effort, he could turn other people’s unwanted items into a living.+2
From Signage to French Brocante
Initially, Higham ran a signage business, dealing in vintage signs and advertising materials. This niche naturally led him into the wider world of antiques. He eventually pivoted to focus on “Brocante”—the French term for second-hand goods, vintage markets, and flea finds.
- The French Connection: Higham and his partner, Tara Franklin, spent years traveling back and forth to France.They built their inventory by scouring French markets for industrial furniture, galvanized metal, and rustic homeware, bringing van-loads back to the UK to sell to trade buyers and the public.+1
Hoof Brocante: The Business Empire
Higham’s business, Hoof Brocante (sometimes styled as Hoof Antiques & Brocante), is the physical manifestation of his personality. It is not a stuffy antique shop filled with porcelain; it is a treasure trove of the weird and wonderful.
What They Sell
Higham has admitted he isn’t a fan of “brown furniture” (traditional Victorian mahogany). Instead, Hoof Brocante specializes in:
- Industrial & Salvage: Metal lockers, workbenches, and factory lighting.
- Automobilia: Vintage petrol pumps, enamel signs, and car parts.
- Toys & Teddies: Higham has a soft spot for vintage teddy bears and mechanical toys, often buying them on The Bidding Room even when other dealers turn their noses up.
- The “Bonkers” Items: Higham coined this phrase for items that defy categorization—like a tin of “London Fog” or a giant fairground prop.
Location
The business is based on the East Sussex and Kent border, traditionally operating out of an old RAF base near Brookland (Romney Marsh) and later associated with his residence in Rotherfield. The aesthetic is “shabby chic” meets “man cave,” appealing to interior designers and collectors alike.
Television Fame: The Bidding Room
In 2020, Adrian Higham was cast as one of the original dealers for the BBC One show The Bidding Room.
The Role
Set in a warehouse in Yorkshire, the show features members of the public bringing in items to sell to a panel of five dealers. Higham became known as the “noisy one”—the larger-than-life character who would hold court, crack jokes, and often bid aggressively for items that sparked his childhood nostalgia.
- Dynamics: He formed a playful rivalry with fellow dealers like Ian Humphries and James Broad. His expertise in mechanical items made him the go-to buyer for anything with an engine or wheels.
Departure from the BBC
Higham stopped appearing in newer episodes filmed around 2024/2025. In press interviews, Higham claimed he was “dropped” by the BBC due to his involvement in a police investigation regarding a neighbour dispute, although the BBC has not publicly commented on employment decisions regarding freelancers.
Recent News: Legal Disputes and Health Battles
In late 2025 and early 2026, Adrian Higham appeared in the news not for antiques, but for a high-profile legal battle.
The Neighbour Dispute
Higham has been involved in a long-running conflict with neighbours in his village of Rotherfield, East Sussex.
- The Allegations: The dispute reportedly involves allegations of harassment, anti-social behavior, and criminal damage. Higham has been accused of behavior that led to police intervention.
- Higham’s Defense: Higham has vehemently denied the charges, describing the situation as “two and a half years of utter hell.” He claims he is the victim in the scenario and that the stress has destroyed his career and health.
- Court Appearances: As of January 2026, Higham appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court pleading not guilty to charges of harassment. A trial date has been provisionally set for July 2026.
The “Illness” Clarification
Fans searching for “Adrian Higham illness” are often reacting to headlines about his health crisis during this legal battle.
- Mental Health: Higham revealed to local press (The Argus) that he suffered a nervous breakdown and felt suicidal due to the stress of the police investigation and his time spent in a cell.
- Physical Health: There is no public record of him suffering from a chronic physical disease; his health struggles have been psychiatric and stress-related consequences of his legal issues.
Personal Life: Tara Franklin
Adrian Higham’s long-term partner is Tara Franklin, a respected expert in her own right.
- Textile Expert: Tara specializes in French vintage fabrics and textiles. She often appears alongside Adi in business updates and has judged upcycling challenges with him.
- Shared Life: The couple share a love for France and have lived part-time in Normandy. They have navigated the recent legal and personal storms together, with Higham often citing Tara’s support as vital during his breakdown.
Practical Information and Planning
If you wish to buy from Adrian Higham or visit his business, here is what you need to know.
Visiting Hoof Brocante
- Status: As of 2026, the physical retail presence of Hoof Brocante is often by appointment or via online drops, due to the disruptions in Higham’s personal life.
- Online Store: They frequently sell via Instagram (@hoof.antiques_brocante) and their website.
- Fairs: Higham and Tara are regulars at major UK antique fairs such as Ardingly and Newark, where they sell directly from their van/lorry.
Social Media
- Instagram: This is the best place to see his current stock. He posts videos of “fresh finds” from France, often showcasing rusty garden furniture or unique signage.
- Response Time: Due to current events, responses may be slower than usual.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Adrian Higham ill? Adrian Higham does not have a reported physical illness like cancer. However, he has publicly stated that he suffered a nervous breakdown and severe mental health issues in 2024/2025 due to a traumatic legal dispute with a neighbour.
2. Is Adrian Higham still on The Bidding Room? No. Adrian Higham is no longer appearing in new episodes of The Bidding Room. He claims he was removed from the show by the BBC following his arrest in connection with a neighbour dispute.
3. Who is Adrian Higham’s partner? His partner is Tara Franklin, an antiques dealer specializing in vintage French textiles and fabrics. They run their business, Hoof Brocante, together.
4. What happened with Adrian Higham’s neighbour? Higham is currently involved in legal proceedings regarding alleged harassment of a neighbour in Rotherfield. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and a trial is expected later in 2026.
5. Where is Hoof Brocante located? The business has traditionally operated from the East Sussex/Kent border, specifically near Brookland and Rotherfield. They also have a strong presence at antique fairs like Ardingly.
6. What is Adrian Higham’s net worth? While exact figures are private, successful antique dealers with TV careers typically have a net worth in the range of £500,000 to £1 million, held largely in stock (inventory) and property.
7. Did Adrian Higham go to prison? He was arrested and spent time in a police cell during the investigation stage, which he described as traumatic. As of early 2026, he has not been convicted or sentenced to prison; the trial is ongoing.
8. What does Adrian Higham collect? He is a passionate collector of toys, particularly vintage teddy bears and mechanical tin toys. He also loves motorcycles and industrial signage.
9. How tall is Adrian Higham? He is known for his imposing stature (“larger than life”), standing over 6 feet tall.
10. Can I hire Adrian Higham for an event? He is listed on several speaker bureau websites for talks on antiques, mental health, and travel, though his availability may be limited pending the outcome of his court case.
11. Is Adrian Higham French? No, he is British. However, he has a deep affinity for France, speaks some French, and sources almost all his stock from the country.
12. Why did he sell a bike for 10x the price? This was his first deal at age 21. He bought a mountain bike at an auction for a low price (e.g., £10) because it was dirty or overlooked, cleaned it up, and realized its market value was much higher (e.g., £100+).
13. Does Adrian Higham have a shop? Hoof Brocante is primarily a warehouse/online dealership rather than a high-street shop with regular 9-5 hours. It is best to check their Instagram for opening times or fair dates.
14. What are “Brocante” items? Brocante is French for “second-hand” or “flea market” goods. Unlike fine antiques, brocante items are often rustic, worn, or industrial—things like old wine crates, rusted garden chairs, or farmhouse tables.
15. Is Adrian Higham married? He refers to Tara Franklin as his partner and wife in various contexts, though public records on a legal marriage are not definitive. They have been a dedicated couple for many years.
Relevant Video:
For a look at Adrian Higham in happier times discussing his trade and the show: Talking Antiques With The Bidding Room’s Adi Higham
This interview offers a personal insight into Adi’s love for antiques and his dynamic personality before the recent legal controversies.
