Charles Hanson, the familiar antiques expert from Bargain Hunt, was cleared of all domestic abuse charges in February 2025. The unanimous not guilty verdict at Derby Crown Court brought a swift end to a three-week trial that had gripped fans and the wider public. Yet the acquittal has raised as many questions as it answered, especially about his personal life, his relationship with his children, and what comes next for the Derby-based auctioneer.
After years of appearing on BBC television, Hanson’s name became synonymous with a very different kind of headline. His estranged wife, Rebecca Ludlam, had alleged a decade-long pattern of violence. Hanson denied every accusation, and the jury agreed. Since the verdict, the 46-year-old has spoken of wanting to “start living my life again” – but has given few details on his private affairs.
This article draws together verified facts from court records, media reports, and public profiles to answer the questions people are asking most: about a new partner, his net worth, his children, and his professional future.
Who is Charles Hanson?
Charles Hanson
Auctioneer, TV Personality (Bargain Hunt, Antiques Road Trip)
Cleared of assaulting his wife on 28 February 2025
Not publicly disclosed; derived from auction business and TV fees
Key Insights
- Charles Hanson, 46, was acquitted of all charges related to assaulting his wife over a 10-year period.
- The trial verdict was delivered on 28 February 2025 at Derby Crown Court.
- Hanson has returned to his role at Hansons Auctioneers but his TV return is unconfirmed.
- Public interest is highest regarding Hanson’s relationship status and access to his children post-trial.
- Wikipedia remains the most visited source but is not updated for the 2025 legal outcome.
Snapshot Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 29 May 1978 (age 46) |
| Occupation | Auctioneer, television personality |
| Known for | Bargain Hunt, Antiques Road Trip |
| Company | Hansons Auctioneers (owner) |
| Spouse | Rebecca Hanson (wife during trial) |
| Legal status | Acquitted of all charges, February 2025 |
| Residence | Derby, England (Ashbourne Road, Mackworth) |
Charles Hanson’s Early Career
Hanson began his professional life in the antiques trade before founding Hansons Auctioneers in August 2005. The firm, based in Etwall, Derbyshire, quickly grew into a respected regional auction house. Hanson himself became a regular expert on BBC’s Bargain Hunt in 2002, a role that made him a household name alongside appearances on Antiques Road Trip.
Charles Hanson’s Role on Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip
As an antiques specialist, Hanson advises contestants on the value and history of objects. His friendly, enthusiastic style has endeared him to viewers over two decades. The BBC has not yet confirmed his return to either programme following the trial.
What Happened at Charles Hanson’s Trial?
The Allegations Against Charles Hanson
Rebecca Ludlam claimed that over the course of ten years her husband physically assaulted her roughly every six months. Specific allegations included an incident where he allegedly grabbed her by the throat and used headlocks. She described a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour that escalated over time.
The Verdict: Charles Hanson Cleared of Assaulting Wife
On 28 February 2025, after a three-week trial at Derby Crown Court, a jury returned a unanimous not guilty verdict on all counts: coercive behaviour, actual bodily harm, and assault by beating. Judge and jury accepted Hanson’s defence that the alleged actions were misinterpreted – for instance, what his wife called a headlock was described as a “loving hug”. Hanson had previously been prohibited from visiting the marital home in February 2024.
The trial began on 10 February 2025 and ended with a unanimous verdict. The BBC reported the outcome as “TV auctioneer cleared of assaulting wife”.
Reaction to the Verdict
Hanson said he felt like a “beaten and broken man” during the marriage and expressed relief that “the truth has finally emerged”. He thanked his legal team and supporters, adding that he now wants to rebuild his life. No public statement has been issued by Rebecca Ludlam since the verdict.
Where is Charles Hanson Today?
Charles Hanson’s Current Professional Status
Hanson has returned to work at Hansons Auctioneers, the firm he founded in 2005. The company continues to operate from its Derbyshire base, handling antiques and fine art sales. Whether he will resume his television commitments with the BBC remains unconfirmed. No official announcement has been made by the network about his return to Bargain Hunt or Antiques Road Trip.
Charles Hanson’s Public Appearances in 2025
Since the acquittal, Hanson has kept a relatively low public profile. He has not given extensive media interviews beyond a brief statement after the trial. Social media activity on his official accounts has been limited, and no public events have been reported as of July 2026.
Who is Charles Hanson’s Wife and Does He See His Children?
Charles Hanson’s Marriage to Rebecca Hanson
Charles Hanson married Rebecca Ludlam in 2010. The couple separated prior to the trial, during which she was referred to as his estranged wife. No information has been publicly shared about whether the marriage has been formally dissolved. Rumours of a new partner for Hanson have circulated online, but none have been confirmed by any reliable source. He has not publicly addressed these rumours.
As of July 2026, there is no verified information about Charles Hanson having a new partner or second wife. Statements from Hanson himself suggest he is focused on moving forward, but no relationship has been announced.
Charles Hanson’s Relationship with His Children
Hanson and Ludlam have two children together. Their ages and names have not been made public. Whether Hanson has regular contact with them since the trial is also not publicly known. The couple’s custody arrangements, if any, have not been disclosed in open court or media.
What is Charles Hanson’s Net Worth?
Charles Hanson’s Earnings from TV and Auctioneering
No precise net worth figure has been published for Charles Hanson. He has been a regular television expert for more than 20 years, which typically provides a steady income stream. As the owner of Hansons Auctioneers, he also benefits from the company’s auction commissions and valuation fees. Without official financial disclosures, any estimate remains speculative.
Charles Hanson’s Business, Hansons Auctioneers
Hansons Auctioneers was founded in August 2005 in Etwall, Derbyshire. It holds regular sales of antiques, jewellery, and collectables. The business has built a reputation for charity auctions, with Hanson himself having helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes. The firm remains his primary enterprise.
Because Hanson is not a publicly traded company director and does not disclose personal finances, net worth estimates are not available from reliable sources. Industry peers in similar TV roles often have incomes in the mid six figures, but this has not been confirmed for Hanson.
When Did Key Events in Charles Hanson’s Case Unfold?
- 29 May 1978 – Charles Hanson born.
- 2000s – Hanson becomes a regular antiques expert on BBC’s Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip.
- August 2005 – Founds Hansons Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire.
- Pre-2024 – Alleged pattern of violence against wife over ten years (prosecution claim).
- 2024 – Charles Hanson arrested and charged with assaulting wife Rebecca Ludlam.
- 10 February 2025 – Trial begins at Derby Crown Court.
- 28 February 2025 – Found not guilty on all charges; acquitted.
- March 2025 – Returns to work at Hansons Auctioneers; TV return unclear.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain About Charles Hanson?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Charles Hanson was acquitted of assaulting his wife on 28 February 2025. | Whether Charles Hanson is in a new relationship – no public confirmation. |
| He is a BBC Bargain Hunt regular and owner of Hansons Auctioneers. | Whether Charles Hanson will return to Bargain Hunt or Antiques Road Trip – no official BBC statement. |
| Hanson was married to Rebecca Ludlam and they have two children. | The exact nature of Charles Hanson’s current relationship with his wife – not publicly disclosed. |
| He was born on 29 May 1978 and lives in Derby. | Charles Hanson’s exact net worth – figures are estimates only. |
Why Did the Case Attract So Much Public Attention?
The acquittal of Charles Hanson sparked intense public curiosity about his personal life and professional future. The case drew significant media attention because Hanson is a high‑profile television personality, and the allegations – involving a decade‑long pattern of domestic abuse – were serious. Viewers who had watched him for years on Bargain Hunt were confronted with a very different story. Public interest in queries like “Charles Hanson new partner” and “does Charles Hanson see his children” reflects a desire for closure and a sense of normalcy after the trial. Hanson’s silence on personal matters since the verdict has left many of those questions unanswered, creating a gap that existing online sources fail to fill.
What Do the Sources Say?
Mr Hanson, 46, of Ashbourne Road in Mackworth, Derby, had been accused of using violence towards his wife over a 10-year period, including…
– BBC News, 28 February 2025
Charles Hanson (born 29 May 1978) is an English auctioneer, and television personality. He is best known for his appearances as an antiques expert on the…
– Wikipedia, Charles Hanson
Looking for an experienced charity auctioneer? Charles Hanson has helped charities across the UK raise hundreds of thousands of pounds through engaging…
– Hansons Auctioneers official website
For full context, refer to the BBC News article on the acquittal, the Wikipedia entry for Charles Hanson, and the official site of Hansons Auctioneers. Court records can be verified via the Derby Crown Court information page. Additional coverage from The Mirror and Reddit provide further details on the reaction.
What Is the Latest on Charles Hanson?
Charles Hanson has been acquitted, has returned to his auction business, and is no longer subject to any legal restrictions. His television future remains unannounced, and his personal life – including any new relationship or contact with his children – is private. For those following the story, the best sources of updates are the BBC and Hansons Auctioneers. For readers interested in other TV personalities, see our profile on Jasmine Harman – Biography, Net Worth, Husband and TV Shows. For a similar high‑profile UK legal case timeline, read about Malcolm Webster – Complete Case Timeline and 2025 Update.
Frequently Asked Questions About Charles Hanson
How old is Charles Hanson?
Charles Hanson was born on 29 May 1978, making him 46 years old as of March 2025.
What is Charles Hanson famous for?
He is best known as an antiques expert on BBC shows Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, and as the owner of Hansons Auctioneers.
Is Charles Hanson still married?
He was married to Rebecca Hanson at the time of the trial. His current marital status has not been publicly confirmed since the verdict.
Does Charles Hanson have children?
Yes, he has two children with Rebecca Ludlam. Whether he sees them regularly is not publicly known.
What was the verdict in Charles Hanson’s trial?
He was found not guilty on all charges of assaulting his wife on 28 February 2025.
Is Charles Hanson back on Bargain Hunt?
As of March 2025, there has been no official announcement from the BBC regarding his return.
Thomas Ellery is Business & Companies Editor at MarketUK.uk, covering UK company news, corporate updates, retail, startups, SMEs and business strategy.