Izzie Balmer is one of Britain’s most beloved antiques experts — a familiar face on BBC daytime television whose warmth, sharp eye for jewellery, and natural on-screen presence have made her a household name. But beyond the auction rooms and camera lights, fans are equally curious about her personal life. One question in particular keeps trending: Who is Izzie Balmer’s partner?
This article takes a thorough, fact-checked look at what is known — and what remains private — about Izzie Balmer’s relationship status, explores her remarkable career journey, and paints a full picture of the woman behind the gavel.
Who Is Izzie Balmer? A Quick Profile
Before diving into her personal life, it helps to understand who Izzie Balmer is professionally and personally.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Izzie Balmer |
| Date of Birth | 8 January 1989 |
| Birthplace | Quarndon, Derbyshire, England |
| Age (2026) | 37 years old |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 6 in (167–168 cm) |
| Education | Durham University (Geography); Birmingham’s School of Jewellery |
| Qualifications | FGA (Gemmology), DGA (Diamond Grading) |
| Speciality | Jewellery and Silver Valuation |
| Current Role | Freelance Auctioneer, Valuer, BBC Presenter |
| TV Shows | Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt, The Travelling Auctioneers, Flog It!, Street Auction |
| @izziedot (35K+ followers) |
Izzie grew up in Quarndon with her parents, Sheila and Toby, and younger brother Hugh. From an early age, she showed a flair for the arts — she played the viola with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain from the age of 16. After completing her Geography degree at Durham University, a work experience placement at a local auction house changed everything. She later retrained at Birmingham’s School of Jewellery, earning diplomas in gemmology and diamond grading that became the foundation of her expert career.
Izzie Balmer’s Partner: What Do We Actually Know?
This is the question fans search most often. The honest answer requires separating verified facts from speculation.
The Will Hawley Connection
Several online sources have named Will Hawley as Izzie Balmer’s partner. Some reports go further, claiming the couple married on 16 November 2016 at St. Alkmund’s Church in an intimate ceremony attended only by close family. However, it is important to note that Izzie Balmer has never publicly confirmed this relationship.
As Hello! Magazine noted, Izzie deliberately keeps her love life away from the spotlight, and very little is known about her relationship status from any verified source. Some outlets suggest she has even indicated in interviews that she does not have a long-term confirmed public partner.
What Is Known About Will Hawley?
While Will Hawley’s identity remains largely unconfirmed, here is what various sources have suggested:
- He is described as preferring to stay out of the public eye entirely.
- He is not associated with the antiques or television world.
- He is said to have a background linked to creativity and craftsmanship.
- He reportedly maintains a private Instagram account.
- His grounding, private nature is described as a complementary balance to Izzie’s public-facing career.
The Reality Check
Multiple credible sources, including Hello! Magazine and Wikipedia, make no mention of a confirmed partner. Izzie herself has never spoken openly about a romantic relationship in interviews or on social media.
Bottom line: The name Will Hawley circulates online, but Izzie Balmer has not confirmed any relationship publicly. She is an intensely private person when it comes to matters of the heart, and that privacy deserves full respect.
Izzie Balmer’s Career: From Auction Rooms to BBC Screens
Understanding Izzie’s career helps explain why her personal life often takes a backseat in public conversation — because her professional achievements are genuinely extraordinary.
Early Career
After discovering her passion for antiques through a work placement, Izzie joined Hansons Auctioneers in Derbyshire, where she worked for four and a half years. She then moved to Wiltshire, where she became Head Valuer and Auctioneer at Wessex Auction Rooms from 2018 to 2023.
The Accidental TV Debut
Izzie’s television journey began entirely by chance. Her boss, Charles Hanson, was scheduled to appear on the BBC’s Bargain Hunt but had to withdraw at the last moment to be with his pregnant wife. He called Izzie — just five minutes before the auction was due to start — and handed her the opportunity.
“It was his way of telling me I was going on TV. There were no other auctioneers available — it had to be me,” Izzie once recalled.
She impressed producers, and from that single appearance, her broadcasting career snowballed.
TV Show Timeline
| Year | Show | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Bargain Hunt | Guest stand-in → Regular Expert |
| 2018 | Flog It! | Expert Contributor |
| 2018 | Street Auction | Co-Presenter |
| 2019 | Antiques Road Trip | Cast Member (Series 9 onwards) |
| Ongoing | Celebrity Antiques Road Trip | Guest Expert |
| Ongoing | The Travelling Auctioneers | Co-Presenter |
2024–2025: Going Freelance
In 2024, Izzie made a bold career move, transitioning to fully freelance work. She now operates as an independent auctioneer, valuer, consultant, and agent. She also began a consultancy role with Clevedon Salerooms, where she provides valuations for jewellery, coins, silver, and luxury items. By 2025, her consultancy role has expanded significantly, and she continues to appear regularly on BBC programming.
Izzie’s Co-Star Relationships: The Public Partnerships That Matter
While her romantic life stays private, Izzie’s professional relationships are warm, well-documented, and genuinely affectionate.
Charles Hanson
Charles is the man who launched Izzie’s TV career and the two share an enduring professional friendship. He runs Hansons Auctioneers — the very company where Izzie first worked — and has been a vocal supporter of her talent throughout her rise.
Mark Stacey
Mark and Izzie famously filmed a series of Antiques Road Trip together, travelling from Cardigan in West Wales through Gloucestershire and into Oxfordshire. When their filming wrapped, Mark posted an emotional tribute on Instagram, describing Izzie as “effervescent and sparkling (and terrifyingly good)” and calling her a dear friend.
JJ Chalmers
As co-presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, Izzie and JJ share a natural on-screen chemistry. When JJ posted about filming Series 2, Izzie was quick to show her appreciation publicly — a sign of the genuine camaraderie behind the scenes.
Personal Life: Hobbies, Family, and What Makes Izzie Tick
Family
Izzie is close to her family. Her parents, Toby (a businessman) and Sheila (a homemaker), and her younger brother Hugh (a sports enthusiast) have occasionally appeared on her social media. She and Hugh once spent a memorable day driving classic cars at Webbs of Weybridge at the Brooklands Museum — an adventure she shared enthusiastically on Instagram.
Hobbies and Interests
- Travelling — France, Cornwall, the Netherlands feature on her Instagram
- Gardening — a hobby she has mentioned in interviews
- Socialising — she is based in Bristol and enjoys time with friends
- Coffee — self-described coffee lover
- Music — her viola-playing past reflects a deep appreciation for the arts
Fun Facts
- The most expensive item she has ever sold was a painting by George Turner (a Derbyshire painter) that fetched £22,000 — around ten times its typical value.
- She once said if she weren’t an auctioneer, she’d open a café serving seasonal, locally sourced food.
- She acknowledges that auctioneering is a male-dominated industry and has spoken about being underestimated — particularly by older men.
Izzie Balmer in 2026: Where Is She Now?
As of 2026, Izzie Balmer is at the peak of her professional life.
- ✅ Regular BBC presenter on Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt
- ✅ Co-presenter of The Travelling Auctioneers (Series 2 confirmed and filming)
- ✅ Freelance auctioneer serving private and commercial clients
- ✅ Jewellery consultant at Clevedon Salerooms
- ✅ Active on Instagram (@izziedot) with 35K+ followers
- ✅ A respected voice for women in the antiques industry
She represents a new generation of antiques professionals — educated, media-savvy, approachable, and deeply knowledgeable. Critics and viewers alike praise her authentic style, which makes even the most complex gemological assessments feel accessible and exciting.
Why Izzie Balmer’s Privacy Should Be Respected
There is a powerful reason Izzie keeps her personal life, including any romantic relationship, out of the public sphere: she understands the difference between her professional identity and her private self.
In an age of oversharing, her boundaries are a sign of personal strength — not secrecy. Her career achievements speak loudly enough. Whether she is with Will Hawley, someone else entirely, or simply focused on her thriving career, that is her story to tell on her own terms.
What is beyond doubt is that Izzie Balmer has built something remarkable — a career rooted in expertise, a television presence built on charm and authenticity, and a reputation that makes her one of the most respected names in British antiques today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is Izzie Balmer’s partner?
Various sources mention a man named Will Hawley, but Izzie Balmer has never officially confirmed any relationship. She keeps her personal life private.
Q: Is Izzie Balmer married?
There is no confirmed or verified public record of Izzie Balmer being married. Some sources claim she married Will Hawley in 2016, but this has not been confirmed by Izzie herself.
Q: Does Izzie Balmer have children?
There is no public information confirming that Izzie Balmer has children. She keeps family matters private.
Q: What shows does Izzie Balmer appear on?
She appears regularly on Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt, and The Travelling Auctioneers on BBC. She has also appeared on Flog It!, Street Auction, and Celebrity Antiques Road Trip.
Q: What is Izzie Balmer’s speciality?
She specialises in jewellery and silver valuation and holds FGA and DGA diplomas from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain.
Q: How did Izzie Balmer start her TV career?
She stood in for her boss Charles Hanson on Bargain Hunt when he could not attend due to a family emergency. Her performance impressed BBC producers and launched her broadcasting career.
Q: Where is Izzie Balmer based?
She is based in Bristol, England.

