The antiques expert Michael Baggott, who appeared on the BBC's antiques-selling show Flog It!, has died in hospital following a heart attack. He was 51.
A statement posted to Baggott's social media pages said he had suffered a stroke in October.
"He was a dearly loved son, brother, nephew and uncle who will be deeply and profoundly missed," it added.
Baggott brought his wealth of knowledge on collectables to Flog It!, specialising in silver and spoons.
His interest in antiques began in his early years, and he progressed to work in Christie's auction house and was head of silver at Sotheby's in the West Sussex town of Billingshurst for a number of years.
He went on to work as a private consultant in antique silver and carried out research into provincial British silver.
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Baggott was also a published author, having written An Illustrated Guide to York Hallmarks 1776-1858 and As Found: A Lifetime in Antiques.
The Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, Rob Unsworth, said the BBC was "deeply saddened" to hear of Baggott's death, describing him as one of Flog It!'s "most memorable characters".
He added that he was an "expert in all manner of collectables but in particular with unrivalled knowledge and enthusiasm for antique spoons and silver".
He said: "Though the series hasn't been in production for several years, we hope Michael's family can take comfort from how much viewers have continued to enjoy his appearances on this ever-popular show."
Auctioneer Charles Hanson, who has appeared on Flog It! and owns Hansons Auctioneers, hailed Baggott as a "giant of our antique industry".
He recalled how Baggott was "never afraid" to call out an expert when they were wrong, including himself.
"Michael's thirst for knowledge for the 'object within' merited far more TV time too for a true and proper expert," he added.
The announcement post confirmed a memorial service will be held for Baggott in the coming weeks.
Flog It! ended in 2020 after first airing on BBC in 2002.
Source: Press Association
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