Gemma Longworth is a British TV presenter, upcycling expert, entrepreneur, and creative wellness advocate. Best known for her role on Channel 4’s Find It, Fix It, Flog It, she has built a career that blends sustainability, art, and emotional healing.
Her story goes far beyond television. From founding a boutique workshop to running a bereavement support enterprise, Gemma is one of the UK’s most purposeful public figures.
Quick Facts: Gemma Longworth at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gemma Longworth |
| Date of Birth | 12 May 1985 |
| Age (2026) | 40 years old |
| Birthplace | Liverpool, England, UK |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | BA Drawing & Applied Arts (UWE); MA Textiles (Manchester Metropolitan University) |
| Occupation | TV Presenter, Upcycler, Entrepreneur, Author |
| TV Show | Find It, Fix It, Flog It (Channel 4) |
| Husband | Michael Barker |
| Married | 25 September 2019 |
| Net Worth (est.) | $600,000–$800,000 (approx. £500,000–£650,000) |
| @gemma_longworth_diy |
How Old Is Gemma Longworth?
Gemma Longworth was born on 12 May 1985, making her 40 years old as of 2026.
She was born and raised in Liverpool, England — a city she still calls home and regularly champions in her work and social media.
At 40, she has already built a multi-layered career spanning television, entrepreneurship, social enterprise, and publishing.
Early Life: Creativity and Tragedy
Gemma grew up in Liverpool with a natural love for arts, crafts, and design. From a young age, she painted, crafted, and found joy in transforming everyday objects.
But her childhood was also marked by profound loss.
The Death of Her Brother Sean
On 8 August 1996, when Gemma was just 11 years old, her younger brother Sean died in a tragic accident. He was 8 years old and had been playing hide-and-seek in the street when he was struck by a reversing car while hiding between parked vehicles.
The loss was devastating. But in time, drawing and creative expression became Gemma’s way of processing grief.
She later said: “Writing the book was difficult for me and I didn’t realise that I hadn’t grieved properly myself until I started writing it. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”
That personal experience of loss would go on to shape her entire professional mission.
Education: Building the Creative Foundation
Gemma pursued formal training in the arts across several institutions:
| Qualification | Institution |
|---|---|
| AVCE in Art & Design | City of Liverpool College (age 17) |
| Foundation Diploma in Art & Design | City of Liverpool College |
| BA in Drawing & Applied Arts | University of the West of England (UWE) |
| MA in Textiles | Manchester Metropolitan University |
Her postgraduate studies focused specifically on art as a therapeutic tool — a direct reflection of how creativity had helped her survive grief.
Career: From Boutique to National TV
The Button Boutique (2008/2011)
After completing her education, Gemma found traditional employment in textiles limited. So she created her own path.
She founded The Button Boutique, a creative workshop space in Liverpool that offers classes in:
- Sewing and upholstery
- Painting and drawing
- Knitting and crafting
- Upcycling and restoration
- Parties and themed events
The boutique started in two large sheds and grew into a full property on Brick Street. It now operates both as a physical store (46 Winter Hey Lane, Horwich, Bolton) and an online platform.
The business became a creative hub for people of all ages and abilities.
Hidden Gems CIC (Social Enterprise)
Perhaps Gemma’s most meaningful venture is Hidden Gems CIC — a community interest company she founded to support people dealing with grief, trauma, and emotional hardship through art.
It offers:
- Bereavement support workshops
- One-on-one creative therapy sessions
- Upcycling and crafting activities
- Community events centred on emotional wellness
The enterprise draws directly from Gemma’s own experience losing Sean. It fills a genuine gap in mental health provision by combining art therapy with practical creativity.
Television: Find It, Fix It, Flog It (Channel 4)
Gemma’s breakthrough on national television came with Channel 4’s Find It, Fix It, Flog It. The show follows a team who travel the UK to find unwanted or forgotten items, restore them, and sell them at a profit.
Gemma’s role focuses on furniture upcycling, upholstery, and design. She works alongside:
- Henry Cole — restoration and motorcycle expert
- Simon O’Brien — presenter and co-host
Her vibrant approach and eco-conscious philosophy quickly made her a fan favourite. She has said: “Upcycling is good for your pocket and great for the planet.”
The show airs on Channel 4 and the Yesterday Channel.
Other TV Appearances
- CBBC’s Saturday Mash Up — shared upcycling skills with younger audiences (a less-covered but notable appearance)
Gemma Longworth as an Author
Gemma has channelled her personal experiences into published writing:
I Need Help (2012)
An art-therapy activity book designed for children dealing with bereavement. Featuring a bear character that guides children through grief-processing activities, the book is:
- Available free of charge from the Alder Centre (Alder Hey Hospital’s bereavement service)
- Motivated directly by the loss of her brother Sean
- One of the UK’s more accessible grief-support tools for children
Craft Your Cure
A later book focusing on art and craft as therapy for grief and emotional struggle. Aimed at adults, the book has received praise for its heartfelt and practical approach.
Gemma officially launched Craft Your Cure at Waterstones Liverpool, underlining her deep connection to her hometown.
Gemma Longworth’s Husband: Michael Barker
Gemma Longworth is married to Michael Barker.
The couple wed on 25 September 2019 in Liverpool. Their life together reflects shared values of creativity, sustainability, and community.
The couple live in Liverpool with their dog, Deidre.
Michael keeps a deliberately low public profile. Gemma has described him as supportive of her career and business ventures.
There are no public records of Gemma and Michael having children as of 2026.
Net Worth: How Much Is Gemma Longworth Worth?
Gemma’s estimated net worth sits between $600,000 and $800,000 (approximately £500,000–£650,000), built from multiple income streams:
| Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Television presenting | Channel 4’s Find It, Fix It, Flog It |
| Workshop revenues | The Button Boutique |
| Social enterprise income | Hidden Gems CIC |
| Book sales | I Need Help, Craft Your Cure |
| Speaking engagements | Events and summits |
| Brand collaborations | Sustainability and creative brands |
Gemma Longworth’s Philosophy: Why Upcycling Matters
Gemma isn’t just a TV presenter — she’s a genuine advocate for sustainable living.
Her core beliefs:
- Sustainability — every item restored is one less thing in landfill
- Accessibility — creativity should be available to everyone, regardless of income
- Healing through art — making things with your hands is genuinely therapeutic
- Community — art and craft build connections between people
This philosophy runs through every business she has built and every show she has appeared on.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram: @gemma_longworth_diy — actively shares upcycling projects, workshops, and personal moments
- Gemma does not have a public Twitter/X account
Her Instagram blends professional projects with glimpses of her Liverpool life, making it one of the more authentic accounts among UK TV personalities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How old is Gemma Longworth? Gemma Longworth is 40 years old, born on 12 May 1985.
Where is Gemma Longworth from? She is from Liverpool, England, where she still lives and works.
Is Gemma Longworth married? Yes. She married Michael Barker on 25 September 2019.
What show is Gemma Longworth on? She is best known for Find It, Fix It, Flog It on Channel 4.
Does Gemma Longworth have children? There is no public information confirming she has children as of 2026.
What is Hidden Gems CIC? It is Gemma’s social enterprise using art and creativity to help people process grief and emotional challenges.
What is Gemma Longworth’s net worth? Estimated at $600,000–$800,000, earned through television, her boutique, books, and her social enterprise.
Has Gemma Longworth written a book? Yes — I Need Help (2012), a free children’s grief activity book, and Craft Your Cure, an adult art-therapy guide.
What is The Button Boutique? It is Gemma’s creative workshop business, offering upcycling, sewing, and craft classes in the UK.
