Iconic daytime TV show returns to screens TODAY after host was forced to deny he’d quit

ICONIC daytime show Dickinson’s Real Deal has returned to screens for a brand new season today, months after host David Dickinson was forced to deny reports he’d secretly quit the series.

Dickinson’s Real Deal began airing in 2006 and returned to screens today at 2pm on ITV for its 19th season. 

Season 19 of Dickinson’s Real Deal comes almost a year on from the previous series. In the interim, David, 82, came under fire for allegedly quitting the show. 

It was reported in April 2023 that David had quietly quit the show to spend more time with his wife. 

A show insider told : “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.

“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.”

However, a representative for David hit back at the rumours, telling the : “David has no plans to retire from Dickinson’s Real Deal, a show he still very much enjoys making, and is hugely looking forward to working on the upcoming series later this month.”

When contacted by The Sun Online for comment, a spokesperson for ITV said: “The current series of Dickinson’s Real Deal is in production and filming throughout spring and summer.

“No decisions have been made on future series beyond that.”

Dickinson’s Real Deal features members of the public who bring their collectables to be valued.

Their prized possessions are then passed on to dealers who make their own valuation and try to purchase them.

The first episode in the new series follows David and jewellery expert Mark Stevens as they examine a variety of antiques and collectables on offer in Stoke. 

It’s currently unclear if Dickinson’s Real Deal will return for a 20th series, but expert Cheryl Hakeney definitely won’t be a part of it. She exited the show after series 18.

Cheryl felt she needed to devote more time to the fashion business she runs with her daughter, Love Island star Zara Holland.

She told : “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.”

Dickinson's Real Deal continues tomorrow on ITV at 2pm.