David Dickinson addresses rumours he’s quitting Dickinson’s Real Deal

David Dickinson has spoken out after rumours began circulating that he is leaving Dickinson's Real Deal.

Earlier today, people allegedly in the know claimed that the mahogany TV icon was looking to hang up his specs at the end of the upcoming series.

According to the source, it was an 'open secret' that the antiques expert and wheeler dealer would be quitting after 15 seasons of the hit daytime show.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, the unnamed insider said: "It's an open secret on Dickinson's Real Deal that David will be leaving the show after filming the upcoming series.

"He's absolutely adored fronting the show, it's been a huge success for the channel and viewers still love it 16 years after it launched.

ITV

"David's had such an incredible career in showbiz so far and has no intention of quitting TV for good and is still open to exploring further opportunities."

And when asked about the claims, a spokesperson from ITV didn't do much to put the rumours to bed.

In a statement, the channel said a decision was yet to be made on the future of the show.

"The current series of Dickinson’s Real Deal is in production and filming throughout spring and summer," it said.

"No decisions have been made on future series beyond that."

And now, Dickinson himself has come out to address the speculation about his future.

Responding to the rumours, the presenter's rep said it was absolute rubbish and he had no plans to retire.

"David has no plans to retire from Dickinson’s Real Deal, a show he still very much enjoys making, and is hugely looking forward working on the upcoming series later this month," they told the Mirror.

ITV

Dickinson has presented Real Deal since 2006, which is mightily impressive by anyone's standards.

The basic premise of the show sees members of the public bring in their collectables to be valued before haggling with dealers who try and purchase them.

Dickinson has worked in the antique business for more than 30 years, and managed to carve out a pretty successful TV career alongside it.

The presenter first graced our screens with his trademark tan all the way back in 1998 with The Antiques Show before fronting Bargain Hunt from 2000 to 2004.

Away from antiques, Dickinson has also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 and I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2005.

Rumours of him leaving the show came after Real Deal expert Cheryl Hakeney announced she would be quitting as she’s struggling to fit filming in around the fashion business she owns.