David Dickinson's wild life off-camera from prison stint to famous relative

27 November 2023 , 11:38

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TV presenter David Dickinson has led a somewhat surprising life (Image: Zodiak Media)

Having made a name for himself as the face of various TV shows, presenter and antiques expert David Dickinson has also led a very interesting, and somewhat surprising, life behind the scenes, with a criminal past fans may not expect. Although he's best known for his love of bargains and cheery disposition, it hasn't all been smooth sailing for the 82-year-old, who served time in prison before getting himself on the right track and ultimately finding plenty of success in his chosen field.

Cheshire-born David also has some very famous names in his family tree, including one very well-known comedian you will most definitely have heard of. In fact, it's highly likely you'll have seen him live on one of his sell-out tours.

David was just 19 years old at the time of his arrest (WireImage)

Wife Lorné says prison has had a 'lasting effect' on David (Getty Images)

Stint behind bars

David has previously spoken candidly about the time he spent in prison as a young man, serving three years of a four-year prison sentence after being caught out for mail-order fraud. The then 19-year-old was found guilty of carrying out a clothing mail order scam, and his time at Manchester's Strangeways prison had a significant effect on him.

Opening up about his experiences in a 2005 interview with The Mirror: "I hated every moment but I knew I had to get through. I vowed I would never do anything to put myself back in this position. I had brought shame on my family, I'd been a cocky young thing."

Recalling the moment of his arrest, David continued: "I will never forget the moment. It all happened so fast, the handcuffs, being read my rights. The fear was horrendous. All I could think was, 'what have I done?'" His wife Lorné Lesley added: "Prison was tougher in those days and he went through it at a young age. It was 40 years ago and he doesn't talk about it, but it had a lasting effect on him."

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Family link to household name

Comedian Jack Whitehall discovered he was related to David while at a funeral (AFF-USA/REX/Shutterstock)

David is related to none other than Jack Whitehall, with the 35-year-old comedian discovering their familial link while attending a funeral. While not blood-related, Jack is second cousins with David's wife of more than 50 years, Lorné. Revealing the unexpected connection during a 2020 appearance on

a visibly baffled Jack shared: "[David is] married to one of my second cousins. I saw him at a funeral, over the other side of the grave."

Julia Banim