“ONE of the stars from Bargain Hunt has been virtually ‘snubbed’ from the anniversary special. This was after the TV personality sensationally quitting the long-running BBC show. 7 Tim Wonnacott has been practically snubbed from celebrations of Bargain Hunt Credit: PA:Press Association 7 David Dickinson previously fronted the show which will celebrate 25 years on-screen”, — write: www.thesun.co.uk
This was after the TV personality sensationally quitting the long-running BBC show.
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Tim Wonnacott has been practically snubbed from celebrations of Bargain HuntCredit: PA:Press Association
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David Dickinson previously fronted the show which will celebrate 25 years on-screenCredit: Getty – ContributorBargain Hunt will celebrate its 25th anniversary on BBC screens next month.
Dickie bow-wearing Tim Wonnacott, 73, was a beloved face of the show for over a decade.
The personality built up a following from fans as he famously hosted the antiques show for 12 years.
However, the BBC has now come under fire after he was practically airbrushed out of the shows celebrations.
In the 45-minute TV special which marks the programme’s silver jubilee, the host gets only 20 seconds of airtime.
He famously took over the role from David Dickinson, 83, in 2003 and stayed with the show until 2015.
During his tenure, he also appeared on Top Gear, and competed on shows such as Ready Steady Cook and Strictly Come Dancing.
Back in 2015, Tim stepped down from the show for “personal reasons,” in a move which left fans stunned.
BBC execs seemingly wanted to move the show in a “new direction” as the antiques experts themselves took on roles as hosts.
At the time, a statement explained: “We would like to thank Tim Wonnacott for his dedication to Bargain Hunt over the last twelve years and for the great expertise that he has brought to the show in that time.
“Bargain Hunt will be moving in a new direction next year utilising a team of experts who present a number of shows each.”
It added: “Tim continues to work with the BBC on Antiques Road Trip.”
Although the BBC emphasised that it was still working with the personality, allegations surfaced after his exit.
The Mirror reported that his swift departure was due to alleged complaints from staff at BBC Bristol and a confrontation he had with a producer.
First airing on BBC One in 2000, Bargain Hunt sees two pairs of contestants tasked with buying antiques from a shop or fair and then try to make a profit at auction. With David Dickinson and Tim Wonnacott among the show’s alumni, let’s take a look at the current presenters.
- Christina Trevanion: Aside from presenting, Christina is also an auctioneer and a partner in the firm of Trevanion & Dean in Shropshire. Her other TV appearances include Antiques Road Trip, Flog It! and The Travelling Auctioneers.
- Eric Knowles: An antiquarian with a primary focus in ceramics and glass, Eric has also appeared on Antiques Roadshow, Noel’s House Party, Call My Bluff and Going, Going Gone.
- Natasha Raskin Sharp: Daughter of artist Philip Raskin, Natasha is an antiques and art expert, especially Scottish contemporary art. She has also featured in Antiques Road Trip, Flog It! and For What It’s Worth, among others.
- Charlie Ross: An antiques expert and auctioneer, Charlie’s career dates back to 1963 by joining a local firm of estate agents after leaving school, later progressing to antique furniture. He has also popped up on shows such as Flog It!, Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is and Antiques Road Trip.
- Caroline Hawley: Away from the Bargain Hunt cameras, Caroline also runs a successful antiques business in Yorkshire.
- Danny Sebastian: Having joined Bargain Hunt as an expert in 2017, Danny became part of the presenting team in 2022.
- Roo Irvine: Initially signing up for the show as an antiques expert, Roo later became a main presenter for Bargain Hunt. She’s also appeared in Antiques Road Trip and Flipping Profit.
At the time the presenter admitted: “I am pleased to have been part of Bargain Hunt for so many years and have thoroughly enjoyed every one of my, roughly, 1,200 programmes hunting out bargains with the contestants.”
Adding: “Alongside continuing to voice Antiques Road Trip for the BBC, I look forward to developing new programme ideas.”
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Tim Wonnacott presented Bargain Hunt for 12 yearsCredit: Handout
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He will only be shown on-screen for 20 seconds during the anniversary celebrationsCredit: BBC
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He appeared on Top Gear and Strictly Come Dancing during his tenureCredit: BBC
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David Dickinson left the show in 2003Credit: Splash News
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Now, antiques experts themselves serve as the hosts of the showCredit: BBCBargain Hunt is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.