If you’ve ever stumbled across Antiques Road Trip or Bargain Hunt, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Irita Marriott lighting up the screen with her warm smile, sharp knowledge, and effortless charm. She’s one of those people who can pick up an object you’d probably overlook at a market stall and instantly spot its hidden story.
But behind her success is a journey filled with grit, reinvention, and a refreshing honesty that has made her one of the most respected modern voices in the antiques scene.
So, let’s dive into the life of Irita Marriott—the antiques expert, television personality, businesswoman, and all-around inspiring figure whose journey spans continents, cultures, and plenty of treasure-filled auction rooms.
1. A Childhood That Shaped Her Strength
Irita was born in March 1984 in Latvia, at a time when the country was undergoing major political and social changes. She grew up in a rural setting where people lived simply, relied on what they could grow or trade, and learned early how to work hard. Her childhood wasn’t luxurious, but it gave her something far more valuable: resilience.
Her parents separated when she was young, and financial struggles became part of daily life. Instead of letting those challenges stop her, she used them as fuel. She knew she wanted something bigger, something different. That desire for change pushed her first to the United States as an au pair—and then to the United Kingdom, the place that would eventually become her home.
2. Moving to the UK: From Seasonal Worker to Skilled Leader
When Irita arrived in the UK at 20, her life didn’t instantly transform. She didn’t step into antiques or television right away. Her first role was a temporary job at a garden centre during the Christmas season.
What’s amazing is how quickly she grew from that humble start. Her natural leadership skills stood out, and she climbed ranks, managing departments and becoming involved in buying. She was hardworking, ambitious, and driven—but deep down she sensed that this still wasn’t her true calling.
And then, almost by chance, life handed her the doorway to the future she didn’t yet know she wanted.
3. The Unexpected Beginning of Her Antiques Journey
Irita’s introduction to antiques came through her mother-in-law. At the time, she had zero formal experience with auctions or valuations, but she had curiosity—and she wasn’t afraid to start from scratch.
She studied items, attended fairs, watched seasoned dealers, and absorbed knowledge like a sponge. When she got a part-time job at a Derbyshire auction house as a cataloguer, she didn’t treat it as “just a job.” She treated it as a classroom. She learned how to value items, how to understand buyers, and how to spot the tiny details that separate ordinary from extraordinary.
Before long, she became a trusted valuer and someone people turned to for expertise.
4. Television Fame: How She Became a Household Name
The turning point came in 2021 when she joined the expert team on BBC’s Antiques Road Trip. Viewers loved her immediately. She wasn’t stiff or overly formal—she was warm, relatable, and incredibly knowledgeable without ever sounding intimidating.
Her television portfolio quickly expanded to include:
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Bargain Hunt
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Celebrity Antiques Road Trip
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The Greatest Auction (Channel 4)
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The Derbyshire Auction House (Really channel)
She brings a rare combination of expertise and approachability that makes antiques feel fun, not complicated. And she’s become a powerful ambassador for encouraging younger generations to appreciate the stories behind objects.
5. Launching Her Own Auction House: A Huge Milestone
In 2023, Irita took one of the biggest leaps of her career by launching Irita Marriott Auctioneers and Valuers in Melbourne, Derbyshire.
This wasn’t just a business move—it was a breakthrough moment in an industry where female-led auction houses are still rare. Her approach blends the charm of traditional auctions with modern tools like online bidding, digital catalogues, and interactive previews.
The launch happened alongside the Melbourne Arts Festival, which felt symbolic: a celebration of creativity, talent, and local community—three things Irita strongly believes in.
Her auction house quickly built a reputation for fairness, expertise, and an inviting atmosphere that welcomes newcomers instead of intimidating them.
6. Family Life: The Quiet Strength Behind Her Success
Although Irita is now a familiar face on TV screens across the UK, she keeps her family life protected from the spotlight. She’s married and has two sons who sometimes join her on her treasure-hunting trips.
Despite her busy schedule, she’s careful to maintain a grounded family life in Derbyshire. Work may take her across the country, but home is where she rests, reconnects, and recharges.
This balance between career and family is part of what makes her story so relatable. She shows that it’s possible to follow big dreams while still protecting the people who matter most.
7. Net Worth: A Smart Blend of Business and Media
Though exact figures can vary, estimates place Irita Marriott’s net worth between £1 million and £2 million as of 2025.
Her income comes from multiple sources:
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Regular TV appearances
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Auction house earnings
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Private valuations
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Antiques buying and selling
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Brand collaborations and event appearances
Her success didn’t arrive overnight—it’s the result of two decades of learning, hustling, and staying open to new opportunities.
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Her Story Isn’t on Wikipedia Yet… But It’s Coming
Despite her popularity, Irita doesn’t have a dedicated Wikipedia page at the moment. But with her growing influence, expanding business, and increasing media presence, it’s almost guaranteed that one will appear sooner rather than later.
Until then, you’ll find most information about her through interviews, TV bios, and her auction house updates.
A Journey Built on Resilience and Determination
One of the most inspiring parts of Irita’s story is her ability to rise above doubt. When she was younger, a teacher once told her she would “never make it without English.” Years later, she became a widely admired BBC presenter whose work reaches millions.
Her life is a powerful reminder that:
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You don’t need a perfect start to build a meaningful future.
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You can create opportunities even when none seem obvious.
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Reinvention is always possible, no matter where you come from.
Irita’s journey proves that courage, curiosity, and persistence can take you farther than you ever imagined.
Career Highlights That Stand Out
Here are some memorable milestones from her journey so far:
Turning a simple spoon into a £3,300 auction sale
A perfect example of how knowledge—not size—creates value.
Creating one of Britain’s rare female-owned auction houses
A huge achievement in a field long dominated by men.
Becoming a familiar face on major BBC shows
Her relatability and knowledge continue to attract viewers.
Inspiring others to explore the antiques world
Whether through TV or her auction house, she makes antiques feel welcoming and exciting.
Final Thoughts: Why Her Story Matters
Irita Marriott’s journey is not just about antiques. It’s about strength, ambition, and believing in yourself even when the odds aren’t in your favour.
From a small Latvian village to becoming one of the most recognisable experts in British antiques, she’s carved out a career that blends passion with purpose. She’s proof that success doesn’t require a perfect path—just perseverance and the courage to say yes to new opportunities.
As her career continues to grow, her influence in the antiques community—and beyond—will only get stronger. And whether she’s running her auction house, filming for TV, or exploring markets in search of hidden gems, one thing is clear: