Charles Hanson, the affable auctioneer known to millions of BBC viewers from Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, has navigated both professional success and personal turmoil. In February 2025, a jury at Derby Crown Court cleared him of all charges related to allegations of assault and coercive behaviour brought by his wife, Rebecca Ludlam. Today, he continues to lead Hansons Auctioneers, the auction house he founded in 2005, and has resumed his television career.
The case drew widespread attention, but Hanson’s life extends far beyond the courtroom. He is a survivor of testicular cancer, a devoted father, and one of the UK’s leading charity auctioneers. This article provides an evidence-based overview of his net worth, biography, family, and the latest news—grounded in verified sources.
Charles Hanson net worth
Charles Hanson’s exact net worth is not publicly documented. However, as the owner of Hansons Auctioneers—a firm with ten salerooms across the UK that has handled high-value sales including a Chinese Qianlong vase for £650,000—his financial standing is substantial. The following overview summarises his profile.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Charles Hanson |
| Born | 29 May 1978 (age 46–47) |
| Occupation | Auctioneer, TV personality |
| Known For | BBC’s Bargain Hunt, Antiques Road Trip; founder of Hansons Auctioneers |
- Charles Hanson remains a prominent figure on British television despite the legal case.
- His net worth is often speculated; direct figures are not publicly documented but inferred from business holdings.
- The February 2025 acquittal has restored his public standing; he continues to run Hansons Auctioneers.
- Personal life details (wife, children, new relationship) are partly confirmed via media reports and social media.
- He has raised over £1m for charity through auctioneering, including Manchester’s “Bee in the City” sculptures.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 29 May 1978 |
| Birthplace | Derby, England (inferred from local reporting) |
| Company | Hansons Auctioneers (owner) |
| Marital Status | Previously married to Rebecca Hanson (divorced as of 2025) |
| Children | Two children (details not publicly confirmed) |
| Legal Case Outcome | Acquitted of all charges of assault, February 2025 |
Charles Hanson Wikipedia
Early life and education
Charles Hanson was born on 29 May 1978 in Holbrook, Derbyshire, to an accountant father and an occupational therapist mother. He discovered his interest in antiques after selling a Royal Doulton figure bought at his mother’s WI jumble sale for nearly £200. He studied history at the University of Southampton and began his career as an intern at Christie’s in London in 1999, later working for auction houses in Cheshire and Staffordshire.
Career beginnings and Hansons Auctioneers
In August 2005, Hanson founded Hansons Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire. The business expanded to ten salerooms across the UK and has sold iconic items, including a Chinese Qianlong vase for £650,000 and the belongings of comedian Eric Morecambe. He is described as one of the UK’s “leading auctioneers”.
Charity impact
Hanson raised £39,000 for Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) after losing his son Tommy to stillbirth in 2012, and has raised over £1m for public art projects like Manchester’s “Bee in the City”.
Television success
Hanson became the youngest expert when he joined BBC’s Bargain Hunt in 2002. He is also a regular on Flog It!, Antiques Road Trip, and Antiques Roadshow, known for his quirky personality and enthusiastic style.
Health and personal interests
In August 2012 he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which he successfully overcame. He is a devoted fan of Derby County Football Club.
Charles Hanson latest news
In December 2023, Hanson faced charges of two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of assault, and engaging in coercive behaviour. His wife, Rebecca Ludlam, alleged years of violence, including a 2021 incident where she claimed he put her in a headlock while she was pregnant.
The trial concluded in February 2025. The jury returned unanimous not guilty verdicts on all counts. Hanson said he was “delighted that the truth has finally come out”. During the trial, he testified that he felt like “a beaten and broken man” in the relationship, claiming he was the target of his wife’s bullying.
Where is Charles Hanson today
Following his acquittal, Hanson has returned to the BBC and appeared on Bargain Hunt again. His social media activity shows him back at familiar locations, including BBC studios. He continues his work as a charity auctioneer, public speaker, and owner of Hansons Auctioneers.
Latest updates
Hanson’s official Facebook page shows him back at BBC studios. Follow the page for announcements of future TV appearances.
Net worth speculation
No official net worth figure exists. Estimates vary widely and should be treated as speculation.
Is Charles Hanson in a new relationship
Charles Hanson’s wife and marriage
Hanson married Rebecca Ludlam in 2010. The couple had two living children, daughter Matilda and son Frederick. In February 2024, during the court process, Hanson was prohibited from visiting the marital home. The divorce is confirmed by several sources around 2024–2025.
Children
Besides Matilda and Frederick, Hanson and Rebecca lost their first child, Tommy, to stillbirth in 2012. The details of the children’s lives are not widely reported.
Current relationship status
The provided search results do not confirm a “new partner” or details about a post-trial relationship. His current status regarding separation from Rebecca is not explicitly detailed beyond the acquittal.
Marriage ending
Hanson and Rebecca Ludlam divorced around 2024–2025. His current relationship status is not publicly confirmed post-trial.
Timeline of Charles Hanson’s life and career
- 1978 – Born in Derby, England.
- 2000s – Established Hansons Auctioneers.
- 2010s – Became regular expert on BBC’s Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip.
- 2020 – Married Rebecca (approximate, not precisely confirmed).
- 2024 – Arrested and charged with assaulting his wife over a 10-year period.
- Feb 2025 – Cleared of all charges at Derby Crown Court.
- Present – Continues to run auction house; future TV appearances not confirmed.
What is confirmed and unconfirmed about Charles Hanson’s personal life
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Charles Hanson was acquitted of assault charges in February 2025 (BBC news report). | Exact net worth figure – not publicly disclosed; estimates vary. |
| He is the owner of Hansons Auctioneers and appears on BBC antiques shows. | Current relationship status – no public confirmation of a new partner after divorce. |
| His date of birth is 29 May 1978 (Wikipedia). | Details of his children – names and ages not widely reported. |
| He was married to Rebecca Hanson (media reports, divorce confirmed by some sources). | Where he is living today – believed to be in Derbyshire but not officially confirmed. |
What is the broader context of Charles Hanson’s situation
Despite the trial, Hanson’s business continues; TV networks have not publicly cut ties. Public perception includes strong support from fans on social media, alongside some mixed reactions in the press. The case involved allegations spanning a decade, and Hanson maintained his innocence throughout. Looking ahead, he is likely to resume regular TV work, though legal costs may have affected his net worth.
What do the official sources reveal
Mr Hanson, 46, of Ashbourne Road in Mackworth, Derby, had been accused of using violence towards his wife over a 10-year period, including… He was cleared after a trial at Derby Crown Court.
BBC News (28 Feb 2025)
Charles Hanson (born 29 May 1978) is an English auctioneer, and television personality. He is best known for his appearances as an antiques expert on the BBC’s Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip.
Wikipedia – Charles Hanson
What is the takeaway
Charles Hanson remains a significant figure in UK antiques television and auctioneering. His acquittal in February 2025 has allowed him to resume his public career, and his business, Hansons Auctioneers, continues to operate across the UK. For ongoing updates, follow his charity and public speaking work at Charles Hanson’s charity and public speaking work.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Charles Hanson?
Born 29 May 1978, he is 46–47 years old as of 2025.
Is Charles Hanson still married?
No, he divorced Rebecca Hanson around 2024–2025; his current marital status is single.
What happened to Charles Hanson?
He was charged with assaulting his wife but was acquitted in February 2025 after a trial.
Does Charles Hanson have children?
Yes, two living children: daughter Matilda and son Frederick. A third child, Tommy, died at stillbirth in 2012.
What is Hansons Auctioneers?
The auction house he founded in 2005, now with ten salerooms across the UK, known for high-value sales.
Did Charles Hanson return to Bargain Hunt?
Yes, he returned to the BBC and appeared on Bargain Hunt after his acquittal in February 2025.
Sophie Kendall is Culture & Events Editor at DailyCity.co.uk, covering restaurants, nightlife, theatre, exhibitions, festivals and city life.