ITV Loose Women David Dickinson’s wild life off-camera from prison stint to famous relative

David Dickinson is best known for his antiques expertise and TV presenting career, but fans may not be aware of his wild life away from the camera, from his stint in prison to his famous family member

TV presenter David Dickinson has led a somewhat surprising life(Image: Zodiak Media)

Having made a name for himself as the face of various TV shows, presenter and antiques expert David Dickinson has also led a very interesting, and somewhat surprising, life behind the scenes, with a criminal past fans may not expect. Although he’s best known for his love of bargains and cheery disposition, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for the 82-year-old, who served time in prison before getting himself on the right track and ultimately finding plenty of success in his chosen field.

Cheshire-born David also has some very famous names in his family tree, including one very well-known comedian you will most definitely have heard of. In fact, it’s highly likely you’ll have seen him live on one of his sell-out tours.

David was just 19 years old at the time of his arrest(Image: WireImage)

Wife Lorné says prison has had a ‘lasting effect’ on David (Image: Getty Images)

Stint behind bars

David has previously spoken candidly about the time he spent in prison as a young man, serving three years of a four-year prison sentence after being caught out for mail-order fraud. The then 19-year-old was found guilty of carrying out a clothing mail order scam, and his time at Manchester’s Strangeways prison had a significant effect on him.

Opening up about his experiences in a 2005 interview with The Mirror: “I hated every moment but I knew I had to get through. I vowed I would never do anything to put myself back in this position. I had brought shame on my family, I’d been a cocky young thing.”

Recalling the moment of his arrest, David continued: “I will never forget the moment. It all happened so fast, the handcuffs, being read my rights. The fear was horrendous. All I could think was, ‘what have I done?'” His wife Lorné Lesley added: “Prison was tougher in those days and he went through it at a young age. It was 40 years ago and he doesn’t talk about it, but it had a lasting effect on him.”

Family link to household name

Comedian Jack Whitehall discovered he was related to David while at a funeral(Image: AFF-USA/REX/Shutterstock)

David is related to none other than Jack Whitehall, with the 35-year-old comedian discovering their familial link while attending a funeral. While not blood-related, Jack is second cousins with David’s wife of more than 50 years, Lorné. Revealing the unexpected connection during a 2020 appearance on

The Jonathan Ross Show,

a visibly baffled Jack shared: “[David is] married to one of my second cousins. I saw him at a funeral, over the other side of the grave.”

Do you have a story to share? Email us at [email protected]