Dickinson's Real Deal star quits show after 14 years
Cheryl Hakeney had high praise for presenter David Dickinson as she announced her exit.
Cheryl Hakeney has announced she is leaving ITV's long-running antique dealing programme Dickinson's Real Deal after more than a decade.
The series, fronted by David Dickinson, sees members of the public attempt to sell their personal collectibles for the best price, with the option to haggle with a dealer or take their chances in the auction house.
Hakeney was part of the original line-up of the show, which launched in 2006, but is now parting ways to focus on Mimi Boutique, an online fashion brand she founded with her daughter, former Love Island contestant Zara Holland.
She told Mail Online: "I did the show for 14 years. I was one of the originals but now mine and Zara's business is booming, unfortunately I don't have enough time to film the next series."
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The entrepreneur clarified that there was no bad blood behind the departure as she went on to sing the praises of Real Deal presenter and Bargain Hunt alum Dickinson.
"David is a massive character," she continued. "He's very, very charming and has a fantastic sense of humour. We had so many funny moments on the show. He's a proper, proper showman, even his appearance, he turns heads.
"He's fantastic to work with. I've known him for many years, I knew him before I was on the show because he's a friend of my dad's – which isn't how I got the job."
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Hakeney added: "He's from Manchester but also used to exhibit at Olympia London every year and David's stand was like him, over the top, and the most fantastic and unusual things.
"He's great and you can't believe he's 81 and still working, he's a true showman."
Fans can rest assured that Dickinson isn't going anywhere.
A spokesperson for the titular host commented: "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."
Dickinson's Real Deal is available to stream on ITVX. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on.
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Authors
David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.
