Michael Aspel, host of ANTIQUES ROADSHOW UK, began his career as a radio actor with the BBC in Cardiff, Wales, in 1954. After two years of National Service, Michael—the son of a professional soldier—worked in a department store, laid drainpipes and sold advertising before beginning his career as a radio actor with the BBC in Cardiff, Wales, in 1954. His first role was as a villain in a Children's Hour play.

Michael went on to become a nationally known personality in Great Britain on both television and radio. In 1957 he became BBC Wales's first newsreader and later served as the unflappable host of such programs as Family Favourites, Crackerjack, Aspel and Company, Ask Aspel, Give Us a Clue, Miss World and Come Dancing. Today, in addition to the BBC's ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, he also presents the popular television programs This is Your Life and Going for a Song.

In 1993 Michael was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to broadcasting, and has been voted TV Times and Variety Club Television Personality of the Year. He was also recently voted into the Royal Television Society Hall of Fame for outstanding services to television.