Irita Marriott is a British television personality, antiques expert, and successful businesswoman who has won the hearts of millions of viewers across the UK. Born in Latvia in 1984, she grew up on a self-sufficient farm where life was far from easy. Today, she appears regularly on popular BBC programmes like Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt, and Celebrity Antiques Road Trip. Her journey from a struggling immigrant to one of Britain’s most loved antiques experts is truly inspiring.
Biography Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Irita Marriott |
| Date of Birth | March 1984 |
| Age | 41 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Latvia |
| Nationality | Latvian-British |
| Profession | Antiques Expert, TV Presenter, Auctioneer |
| Known For | Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt, The Derbyshire Auction House |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | Two sons |
| Business | Irita Marriott Auctioneers & Valuers Ltd |
| Location | Melbourne, Derbyshire, UK |
| Estimated Net Worth | £500,000 – £1.5 million |
| @iritamarriottantiques |
Early Life and Childhood in Latvia
Irita Marriott was born in March 1984 in Latvia, a small country in Northern Europe. She spent her first six years living on a country farm with her family. The farm was self-sufficient, which means they only ate what they could grow, catch, or find in nature. Life was simple but hard.
When her parents divorced, things got much harder. Irita and her family moved to Valmiera, a town in Latvia. She has shared stories about walking along riverbanks looking for leftover food near old barbecue spots. Some mornings, they went fishing just to have breakfast. These tough early years taught her to work hard and never give up.
Moving to America and Learning English
At school, one of her teachers told Irita she would “never succeed in life without English.” Instead of feeling defeated, this comment pushed her to prove everyone wrong. At age 18, she applied for an au pair job in the United States and travelled to New York with almost no English skills. She carried only an English dictionary in her bag.
Life in America was challenging. She looked after two young girls and learned English alongside the younger child. Within three months, she could speak and understand everything around her. After nearly two years in the US, she visited her family in Latvia but was refused re-entry to America. This unexpected turn changed her life forever.
Starting a New Life in the United Kingdom
After seeing a picture of Big Ben on a Latvian street, Irita decided to travel to London. She was just 20 years old with no plan and very little money. On the bus to London, she met five Latvian men who had contacts in England but could not speak English. They helped each other, and the group ended up in Bradford.
Her first job was as a temporary Christmas worker at a garden centre. She worked hard and quickly moved up to manage the Christmas department. She also became a buyer, a skill that would later help her in her antiques career. After meeting her husband, she moved to Derbyshire, where she still lives today.
Discovering a Passion for Antiques
Irita’s journey into antiques started by accident. Her mother-in-law bought a job lot from an auction and gave it to Irita to sell. The catch was that Irita owed her £1,800 for the items. With no job and no money, she had to learn fast. She spent two weeks researching antiques and visiting fairs to make money.
She got completely hooked. Soon after, she got a part-time job as a cataloguer at a Derbyshire auction house. She worked there for seven years, learning everything about valuing and selling antiques. During this time, she also started dealing antiques independently, waking up at 3am to travel to fairs across the country while raising her two young sons.
Rise to Television Fame
Irita’s television career began in 2021 when she joined the BBC’s Antiques Road Trip team. She had reached out to the show’s executive producer herself, showing her bold and determined personality. Her warm character and genuine love for antiques made her an instant hit with viewers.
Since then, she has appeared on many popular programmes, including Bargain Hunt, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, and Channel 4’s The Greatest Auction. In 2024, she got her own show called The Derbyshire Auction House on the Really channel. The show follows her as she visits homes, finds hidden treasures, and takes them to auction.
Opening Her Own Auction House
In 2023, Irita achieved one of her biggest dreams. She opened Irita Marriott Auctioneers & Valuers Ltd in Melbourne, Derbyshire. This made her one of only a handful of women in the UK to own and run their own auction house. Her husband surprised her by arranging the grand opening, which was an emotional moment for the whole family.
The auction house runs regular sales and offers free valuations every Friday. Irita wanted to build something she could pass on to her sons. As she explained, “If I stop, there’s no business. Nothing to pass on. By opening an auction house, I’d build something my boys could carry on.” Some of her most exciting sales include a Roman ring that sold for over £19,000 and an Essex crystal bought for just £3 that sold for £700.
Personal Life: Husband and Family
Irita is married and lives in Derbyshire with her husband and two sons. She keeps her personal life very private and does not share her husband’s name publicly. However, she often mentions how supportive he has been throughout her career. Her husband arranged the surprise opening of her auction house in 2023.
Her two boys sometimes join her at antique fairs. She enjoys watching them develop a love for antiques and history. Despite her busy television and business schedule, Irita finds time to be a hands-on mother. In 2024, she even climbed Snowdon with her eight-year-old son. Family remains her biggest joy.
Conclusion
Irita Marriott’s journey from a poor farm girl in Latvia to a famous BBC antiques expert is truly remarkable. Her story shows that hard work, determination, and a love for what you do can lead to great success. She continues to inspire viewers with her warm personality, expert knowledge, and down-to-earth attitude. Whether she is finding bargains on television, running her auction house, or spending time with her family, Irita remains a true British treasure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Irita Marriott?
Irita Marriott is a British television personality and antiques expert. She is best known for appearing on BBC programmes like Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt. She also owns her own auction house in Derbyshire.
2. How old is Irita Marriott?
Irita Marriott was born in March 1984. She is 41 years old as of 2026.
3. Is Irita Marriott married?
Yes, Irita Marriott is married. She lives in Derbyshire with her husband and their two sons. She prefers to keep her husband’s name private.
4. Where is Irita Marriott’s auction house?
Her auction house, Irita Marriott Auctioneers & Valuers Ltd, is located in Melbourne, Derbyshire, UK. It opened in 2023.
5. What is Irita Marriott’s net worth?
Irita Marriott’s net worth is estimated to be between £500,000 and £1.5 million. Her income comes from television appearances, antiques dealing, and her auction house business.
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