Duke’s fans dazzled at jewellers

Dozens of fans flocked to a Black Country jeweller’s to meet bargain hunting bobbydazzler David Dickinson.

And the popular perma-tanned presenter, who is an even more vibrant shade of bronze in the flesh, was on top form as he wheeled out all his favourite catchphrases and joked with customers at Rex Johnson & Sons, Dudley.

The self-styled Duke, star of ITV show Dickinson’s Real Deal, was visiting the store in Birdcage Walk to encourage punters to cash in on the soaring price of gold which has rocketed to a 30-year high.

Summoning all the enthusiasm which has made him a cult figure with audiences, Mr Dickinson told the Express and Star: “I am here for a purpose – to promote the purchase of scrap gold because at the moment it is sky high. Your gold is not cheap as chips at Rex Johnson’s. But you need to get your skates on. Now is the day to really get moving because you never know when it is going to fall again.”

Ronald Bond, aged 79, brought an oil painting from his home in Milking Bank, Dudley, but it did not take the Duke’s fancy. Mr Dickinson told him: “What we have got here is something of Monet – Billy Monet. It’s a modern picture and it looks Italian. But it could have been made in Hong Kong. It’s value? I’m going to say maybe £10 or £15.”

Mr Bond was still delighted, however. He said: “It is nice seeing him in person rather than on the screen. I have followed him for years so I thought it was great when I heard he was coming.”

Joe and Pat Watton, of Valley Road, Sedgley, enjoyed a bit more success when they showed Mr Dickinson their painting. Mr Watton, aged 76, said: “He told us the painting was a 1920s one worth a few hundred pounds, which we are pleased with.”

He added the couple were dazzled by the star. “He’s got a nice sun tan. I would have asked him what he puts on but I was a bit shy,” he said.

And there was still time in his two-hour stay for Mr Dickinson to suggest he might not be the Real Deal after all.

When a couple asked how he was appearing on his ITV show whilst also in the Midlands, he replied: “Me? I’m Billy Smith. He’s down there presenting the show but I’m just Billy Smith.”