TODAY he’s a staple of daytime TV, but back in the 80s Homes Under the Hammer star Martin Roberts was a student in Bradford – and building the foundations of his future career.

The co-presenter of BBC One weekday property show Homes Under the Hammer studied for a degree in electrical and electronic engineering at the University of Bradford between 1981 and 1985.

It was this first time away from his home in Warrington that piqued his interest in a future career in the media, which saw him work for student radio station, Ramair, and for hospital radio at Bradford Royal Infirmary while studying.

The 57-year-old also recalls nights spent socialising in Bradford venues including Pickwicks nightclub, frequently dancing to Soft Cell's 1982 hit 'Tainted Love'. He also fondly remembers Bradford's beer and curry houses during his time studying in the city.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Martin Roberts with fellow Homes Under the Hammer presenters Dion Dublin and Martel MaxwellMartin Roberts with fellow Homes Under the Hammer presenters Dion Dublin and Martel Maxwell

Martin said: "I had a great time. I could not have gone to a better uni.

"But it was not so much the course, it was about the university experience.

"I did the whole Bradford experience. I remember the sticky carpets in Pickwicks nightclub.

"I loved it. I joined the media club at uni. We went on lots of visits to TV and radio stations. I did a weekly show on Ramair, the uni radio station.

I look back so fondly on my time there. I lived in a classic house on Legrams Lane

"It was an amazing first experience being away from home. Fantastic beer. We used to go on days out to Keighley and Haworth.

"I remember going to gigs and seeing Hawkwind there. I have nothing but happy memories of Bradford.

"I never want to hear 'Tainted Love' again. We danced to it so much."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Martin Roberts with his Sadsville book for children Martin Roberts with his Sadsville book for children

Since his university days in Bradford, Martin has gone on to forge a more than 30-year career and counting on TV and radio.

But it is his time as one of the co-presenters of Homes Under the Hammer, starting on the first show in 2003, that he is most famous for.

This show sees Martin visit homes up for sale across the country, many of which are in need of a little TLC.

He is back on location across the country filming the show after a break between March and September last year due to the pandemic.

He says the secret to the show's longevity is it acts as a regular comfort to viewers.

Martin added: "When it started, it was only meant to be on for 10 shows, but we have done 1,700 programmes now.

"It shows things that are aspirational and achievable. It's got people doing things that people can relate to.

"I'm a developer, I do this for a living. There is a lot of take home value in the show.

"It shows three properties from beginning to end, complete with cheesy music.

"The show has a lot more viewers than ever during lockdown. Sir Paul McCartney says he watches it, when I found that out that was a blast.

It's a comfort factor for people. It has been on the same time since it started. It's a guilt-free hour

"I'm really, really proud of it.

"I live in Bath now, but whenever I go back to Bradford I can't believe how much it has changed since I was at uni. I always go back to my old haunts and look at these places with fond memories."

In addition to his TV work, he also hosts a show on YouTube called 'Martin Roberts' Property Titbits'.

He has also written a book, Sadsville, a home study workbook that helps children consider their emotions and reach out for help if they are sad. His aim is to deliver a free copy of this book to every Year 4 (age eight to nine-year-old) child in the UK.