Charles Hanson, 46, issues statement as he makes BBC Bargain Hunt return after being cleared of domestic assault
Charles Hanson has made his return to BBC’s Bargain Hunt after being unanimously cleared of domestic abuse allegations earlier this year.
The 46-year-old auctioneer appeared on Monday’s episode, marking his first television appearance since 2023. Hanson had been absent from screens whilst facing charges of assault against his wife Rebecca, which he denied.
In February, a jury found him not guilty of all counts of coercive control and assault allegations. His return to the popular daytime show has been met with enthusiasm from viewers who welcomed him back on social media.
The antiques expert featured in the latest episode of series 66, joining fellow expert Christina Trevanion in Staffordshire.
Viewers watched as Hanson wielded the gavel on the rostrum at Bishton Hall during the programme.
His segment on the show came just weeks after being cleared of allegations relating to his wife. Hanson, who has also been an expert on Flog It! and Antiques Roadshow, had not been seen on television since his arrest in June 2023.
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The BBC had kept him off air during the legal proceedings that concluded in February.
Fans took to social media to celebrate Hanson’s return to the programme.
One viewer wrote on X: “Charles, it was lovely to see you again on Bargain Hunt today, you have been missed so much.”
Another commented: “Great to see you back on @BBCBargainHunt this afternoon, it was a lovely surprise. You were missed.”
“Ooooh Charles is back now he’s been acquitted,” posted a third with a party emoji while others shared similar sentiments with one writing: “Good to see @HansonsAuctions back on the bbc #bargainhunt.”
Following the episode, Hanson took to social media to express his gratitude to supporters. “Evening all, I just want to say, thank you,” he said.
“I’ve had so many messages on social media having been seen performing today on television, it means an awful lot.”
He added: “So much kindness in messaging me, thanks so much.”
Hanson has been a familiar face on British television for over two decades, having made his debut on Bargain Hunt in 2002.
He later joined Flog It! and became an expert on Antiques Road Trip in 2010. The auctioneer founded Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers in Etwall, Derbyshire in August 2005.
Hanson had been accused of using violence towards his wife over a ten-year period before his trial in February.
During court proceedings, Rebecca Hanson alleged he had assaulted her every six months for a decade, with some attacks leaving her bruised.
She testified from behind a screen, recalling an incident in 2012 when she was pregnant, claiming Hanson put her in a headlock.
Hanson denied all charges, later alleging he was “almost a slave” to his wife and felt “beaten and broken”. After a trial that began on February 10, the jury unanimously found him not guilty of all counts.
Speaking outside court after being cleared, Hanson expressed relief at the verdict. “I’m delighted that after a year and a half the truth has finally come out. I can finally live my life again,” he told reporters.
He described the trial as “very impactful” and the previous 18 months as “extremely upsetting”.
“I’ve missed my children and quite simply, I can now get back to my life, and I relish that,” he said.
Hanson added: “I’ve experienced a long time of upset and I always believed in justice, and here we are today, the sun is shining and I can start my life again.”