Behind-the-scenes secrets of Antiques Roadshow – from bosses approaching guests to appear to ‘X-Factor’ style queues
TV producer Richard Osman has unveiled some behind-the-scenes secrets of the BBC's popular show, Antiques Roadshow.
The BBC programme features antique experts who go on tour around the UK appraising heirlooms for members of the public.
Richard lifted the lid on the researchers actively seeking valuable items, as well as the show facing X Factor-style queues when shooting is in progress.
He shared these insights after a listener of The Rest is Entertainment podcast inquired about how guests are selected for the show.
The Deal Or No Deal producer explained that researchers occasionally reach out to potential guests.
He cited notable examples like the maquette of the Angel of the North and a Faberge flower, which were both valued over a million pounds.
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Richard revealed that the pieces were brought to the show after pre-arrangements with their owners.
The Angel of the North statue, made by Anthony Gormley, was valued at over £1 million by Philip Mould in 2008.
Meanwhile the Faberge flower, made of enamel, gold, diamond, and jade, was also given an eye-watering price tag of £1 million.
Richard told podcast co-host Marina Hyde: "Do people get invited along? Occasionally that does happen, so some of the biggest ever finds on Antiques Roadshow have been ones that they sort of knew would happen.
"So Gateshead council, I think, had the maquette for the Angel of the North, a 6ft version, and when they were up there, obviously a guy didn’t just turn up with this 6ft Angel of the North and bring it along, so there would have been chats with production where they’d have said ‘you know, we’ve got this Angel of the North, it’s never been valued’ so they bring it along.
"That was worth a million pounds, which is more than they paid for the whole Angel of the North in the first place. So things like that.
"There was an army regiment which had a faberge flower, which they knew was very valuable and so they said to Antiques Roadshow ‘should we take it along, we don’t know how valuable it is’ and that was over a million as well."
While such high-value items are pre-vetted, most participants have to go through a lengthy queue process to experience the show.
These people often read about the show’s location and bring their items, hoping for a chance to be featured on TV.
Researchers take a look at their belongings, and only the most interesting or valuable pieces make it to the screen.
He added: "Not everyone goes in front of the judges. Most things, someone will value your piece and you’ll spend the rest of the day very happy at a stately home and watch the filming."
Antiques Roadshow presenters through the years
Antiques Roadshow launched all the way back in 1979 and has become a staple BBC programme. Here is a look at those who have hosted the show over the years.
- Bruce Parker (1979): Journalist and presenter Bruce Parker was the original host of Antiques Roadshow when the programme debuted.
- Angela Rippon (1979): Broadcaster and former newsreader Angela Rippon briefly took up the hosting reins in 1979.
- Arthur Negus (1979-1983): The first long-term presenter, the television personality and antiques expert had a four-year stint with the show. He died in 1985, two years after leaving Antiques Roadshow.
- Hugh Scully (1981-2000): Hugh, a journalist, radio and television presenter, is the longest-serving presenter of Antiques Roadshow. He died in 2015, at the age of 72.
- Michael Aspel (2000-2008): Retired presenter and newsreader Michael Aspel hosted Antiques Roadshow for eight years. He is also known for his work on shows including This Is Your Life and Crackerjack.
- Fiona Bruce (2008 - present): The current host, journalist, newsreader and presenter Fiona joined the BBC show in 2008. She remains the ongoing presenter to this day.