David Dickinson hits back at claim he's 'quit' iconic show after 16 years

ok.co.uk:

David Dickinson has hit back at claims he's 'quit' his iconic ITV show, Dickinson's Real Deal after 16 years. It's been reported that the 81 year old TV veteran is taking a step back from the show that bears his name, in order to spend more time with his family including wife, Lorne Lesley.

It was claimed that David is filming for the latest series, but has made the decision to step down from presenting duties following that.

However, a spokesperson for David told ok that David "has no plans to retire" from the show.The full statement read: “David has no plans to retire from Dickinson’s Real Deal, a show he still very much enjoys making, and is hugely looking forward working on the upcoming series later this month.” A show insider had told MailOnline: "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." An ITV spokesperson told OK!: "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." David is well-known in the world of antiques dealings, having 30 years' experience in the field, whilst his flamboyant personality, deep perma-tan and iconic catchphrases have made him TV gold.