‘A real gentleman’: Legendary Homes Under the Hammer star Clive Emson dies aged 79

Clive Emson has been described as a ‘gentleman’ by many (Picture: Cover Images) Legendary star Clive Emson from BBC’s Homes Under the Hammer has died aged 79. The auctioneer passed away on Wednesday with his family by his side, his son has confirmed to Metro. Emson regularly appeared on the show, and had a catchphrase known to many: ‘Have gavel, will travel’. He founded Clive Emson Land and Property Auctioneers, a business which spans from Kent to Cornwall, including the Isle of Wight. In 2019, Emson was honoured with an MBE for his charity work helping vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in Kent. He started his career as a junior estate agent, earning just £1.50 a week. Emson was an auctioneer who appeared on Homes Under the Hammer (Picture: Cover Images) ‘Have gavel, will travel’ is the mantra he became known for (Picture: Cover Images) The businessman left school at the age of 16, and admitted in an interview with the local publication, Kent Online: ‘It was not the best time of my life, and I was a nightmare for them.’ Emson has been remembered by many as a ‘gentleman’. Writing under the news on Facebook, David Naghi said: ‘Very sad to hear of his passing. A real gentleman and a really nice bloke. Jim Ogilvie agreed: ‘An absolute gentleman with a wonderful character.’ Dee Ford also shared the same sentiment: ‘I’ve known Clive since my very first days of training to be a surveyor, an absolute gentleman, and a huge character in life and work.’ The BBC star grew up in Maidstone, Kent, and attended King’s School, Rochester. What drew Emson to a career in estate agency was the chance to talk to and meet people – he enjoyed the fact it was ‘more laid back’. (Picture: Cover Images) Emson had two children with his late wife Sue: James, 52, and Rebecca, 55. The former is now the managing director of the company. Speaking to Metro, James said: ‘He did a huge amount of charity work, always there fighting for the people who couldn’t fight for themselves. ‘He did a lot of children’s charity, that’s why he got his MBE – for The Young Lives Foundation work and looking after, or being there, for children who were in care.’ James Empson spoke highly of his Dad when talking to Metro (Picture: Cover Images) Speaking about Homes Under the Hammer, Emson previously said to the local publication: ‘There was a time when we were approached by TV companies every week. ‘They wanted to put in a fake buyer, but how’s that going to work? Once the hammer drops, the property is yours.’ The daytime telly legend said Homes Under the Hammer made the auction house a more respected place to buy a property: ‘There was a perception that they were frequented by dealers and crooked people.’ Homes Under the Hammer is a daytime show on the BBC, focusing on property renovations and auctions. Homes Under the Hammer is available of watch on BBC iPlayer. Got a story? If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you. Deals of the Day K-beauty is taking over skincare in 2026 – and this new serum is leading the way The best outdoor candles to buy now for alfresco dining and bug-free nights This tablet recreates the feeling of writing on paper – without the mess Shopping for new bedding? Simba Sleep’s latest launch has options for every sleeper Buy one, get 50% off – stock up on SPF for less with iHerb's limited time deal Arrow MORE: Top Gear ‘comeback is in the works’ at the BBC 3 years after axe Arrow MORE: Soul icon Clarence Carter dies aged 90 after hits including Patches and Slip Away Arrow MORE: Strictly responds to ‘spurious’ Claudia Winkleman rumours TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.