Paul Martin was born on 5 January 1959 in Teddington, Middlesex, England. He later grew up in Cornwall, where he developed an early interest in craftsmanship and antiques.

He was educated at Falmouth Grammar School and later studied art and woodworking at Falmouth College of Arts. Before television, he worked as a professional drummer and antiques dealer, even running a shop specialising in antique furniture.

Martin’s broadcasting career began after being discovered by BBC producers and signing on to present Flog It! on BBC Two in 2002. He later hosted several BBC antiques programmes and also appeared as a presenter on Countryfile spin-offs such as Countryfile Summer Diaries, which airs on BBC One.

Over time, he expanded his television work to include Make Me a Dealer and Curiosity, further establishing his reputation as an antiques specialist.

He currently lives in Wiltshire with his family on a smallholding and continues working in television and antiques.