Hogben became a "Bargain Hunt" expert when four of the earliest shows visited his auction rooms to sell contestant's items. The producer liked Hogben's style and he was offered a position. Hogben said yes, but in his first show declared a pair of Art Deco vases Art Nouveau. Hogben holds the record for the largest profit on a single item on "Bargain Hunt", when a team he led purchased a Royal Worcester box at Ardingly Fair for £140, then made £800 in a live auction shown on BBC One.