BBC star Michael Baggott, 65, passes away after heart attack
Flog It! star Michael Baggott has died at the age of 65, a statement on his social media has announced.
‘Heartbroken to share that Michael died yesterday in hospital of a heart attack following a stroke in October,’ the statement read.
‘He was a dearly loved son, brother, nephew and uncle who will be deeply and profoundly missed. There will be a memorial service in the coming weeks, the details of which will be shared here.’
The announcement of his death comes after Baggott shared a series of videos from hospital in December, sparking concern among fans.
The antiques specialist revealed he’d been bed bound for five weeks in a stroke ward in a hospital in Birmingham and complained of being given an inadequate amount of fluids while there.
While this was never confirmed, there could have been medical reasons why he wasn’t being given lots of water – such as inability to swallow and danger of choking.
He said: ‘It’s been a week now and I’ve been able to take fluids for two days. I was left without any water at all and have become badly dehydrated.
‘For the last three days, I’ve been given a litre of water, which has been insufficient to stop me being dehydrated.
‘The gaps between being given water have been 15 hours, 17 hours with no water, 12 hours with no water and currently 15 hours with no water intravenous.’
He added: ‘I’m dying of thirst in a British NHS hospital and no one seems prepared to do anything about it.’
In a second clip, he said: ‘I want to say the nursing staff, the junior doctors here, have been the saving grace. They all want to help but they can’t. The senior management and the senior doctors, who I never see, always refuse water, always refuse treatment.
‘One told me yesterday if I don’t buck up my ideas, in three weeks I’ll never be able to walk again. Of course the junior staff told me that was nonsense, but it’s symptomatic of the treatment in this place.
‘All the staff are busting their gut to help you, the management and the senior surgeons are not.’
In another video Baggott assured fans that he was feeling more positive and ‘hopeful’.
He said: ‘Hydration at last, Radio 3 blaring and slightly happier, slightly more hopeful. Thank you for everybody who either came or sent a message. Hopefully the way back starts now.’
A spokesperson for the hospital told Metro in a statement at the time: ‘We cannot discuss the confidential details regarding the care of our patients; however, we are discussing all concerns directly with the patient, to ensure they are comfortable and receiving safe and appropriate care.’
After joining Flog It! in 2004 as an antiques expert in silver and smallwork, Baggott became one of the show’s most recognisable faces.
Flog It! was axed in 2018 after 17 years, with more than 1,000 episodes airing.
Friends and colleagues in the auctioneering world and beyond have flocked to social media to pay tribute to Baggott.
‘Absolutely devastated, a brilliant man and dear friend with the most amazing knowledge and wonderful sense of humour, always happy to help,’ wrote fellow auctioneer Adam Partridge.
Flog It! expert Nick Hall posted: ‘So sorry to hear this, Michael was a true connoisseur and ambassador of the antiques world, a font of knowledge and generous with his knowledge, a raconteur and all round top bloke, a pleasure to have known you Michael.’
BBC Presenter Roo Irvine added: ‘Such sad news… condolences to Michael’s family.’
Bargain Hunt’s Colin Young wrote: ‘So sorry to hear this sad news. Michael made so many people smile, what more is there to wish for in life?’
‘Devastating news – RIP Michael. Such a kind man and reunited with his beloved mother,’ wrote Ishy Antiques.
Fellow Flog It! star Mark Stacey said: ‘Very sad news, I’ve known Michael for over 25 years when we both worked for sothebys, I will always remember his love, knowledge of antiques which he readily shared, my deepest sympathies to his family, rest in peace Michael no doubt with a silver spoon.’
Fan Matthew Jeffrey wrote: ‘Sad news. An absolute authority on English hallmarked silver. Go well Mr Baggot, wherever you may be.’
Baggott was a specialist in antique silver, smallwork, boxes, early spoons and provincial and continental silver.
He bought his first antique – a Chester silver Vesta case – for £22 as a school child, having saved up his dinner money to afford it.
He went on to work as prestigious showrooms Christie’s while at university, and went on to run Sotheby’s south silver department for four years.
After Sotheby’s Baggott worked as a private consultant to those with antique silver.
He was also an author, having written An Illustrated Guide to York Hallmarks 1776-1858.
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