Bargain Hunt star's secret music career with 'number one' single

BBC star Charlie Ross has appeared on everything from Antiques Road Trip to Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is - and of course Bargain Hunt. However, after spending decades as a record-breaking auctioneer and making the largest profit ever on a single item in Antiques Road Trip history, he developed a surprising sideline as a singer.

By 2017, he'd landed a surprise number one single alongside his fellow BBC antique experts Charles Hanson, Philip Serrell and James Braxton. Together, the four recorded a rock 'n' roll version of Sleigh Ride and released it on an independent record label, with profits promised to Children In Need. It instantly grabbed attention, soaring to the number one spot on the Amazon Rock Charts.

The following year, he teamed up with Phillip and James again, albeit this time with a large group of TV celebrities joining them in song, and all proceeds to be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The Christmas song, Rock With Rudolph, which was recorded in Soho's legendary Dean St studios, was also sung by actress Shona McGarty, who played Whitney Dean in EastEnders, and Nicola Thorp, who channelled Corrie villain Pat Phelan's daughter Nicola Rubenstein.

The charity effort also saw ITV The Chase star Anne Hegerty impress with her vocals, alongside other celebs including ex-model Gail Porter, Kathy Hill from George Michael's Last Christmas video and the late TV legend Lionel Blair.

Like the previous Christmas track, it was written and produced by father-son duo Grahame and Jack Corbyn.

Subsequently, Charlie delivered some Christmas cheer amid the 2020 Covid crisis, and lifted spirits with Shakin' Steven's Merry Christmas Everyone.

It premiered on Good Morning Britain the day before the release, and saw Charlie and the other celebrities - now including Frank Bruno and X Factor victor Sam Bailey - raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society and Action for Children.

Like its 2018 predecessor, it made it to number two on the iTunes chart, although it didn't quite reach the heights of 2017's Sleigh Ride.

Meanwhile, Charlie has an impressive history on the Antiques Roadtrip circuit, especially in 2012 when a chipped elephant clock he'd paid just £8 for went on to reach £2700 at auction - and he remains a firm Bargain Hunt favourite for viewers.