Latest news with #BBCBargainHunt
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Bargain Hunt rules you never knew from hidden earnings to strict fleece policy
BBC Bargain Hunt has been a daytime TV favourite for 21 years now, but not everything is what it seems. The popular BBC show has a number of hidden rules for those who appear on it For many, appearing on the BBC's Bargain Hunt may seem like a pipe dream, but for some avid antique enthusiasts, it becomes a reality. They find themselves in front of the cameras, divided into red and blue teams, paired with an expert, and their chosen items are sent to auction. One pressing question is, 'Do participants get to keep the fleece?' Fortunately, we have the answer to that and more, including the modest "earnings" participants can gain from being on the show. According to the official BBC website, filming is a "slow process" requiring several days to be set aside for aspiring stars. The website confirms that buyers are required all day at the antiques fair to browse and all day at the auction house to witness their items being sold. However, the organisation verifies that the one-hour shopping limit is indeed restricted to just 60 minutes. Each antique fair day provides enough footage for four or five episodes of the show, so they won't be the only buyers present on the day. Family and friends are not permitted to attend filming, although anyone in the background of a shot could appear on TV unless they ask not to be filmed, reports the Liverpool Echo. After submitting an application to feature on the programme, potential stars will be asked to record a brief video of themselves to send to the BBC. They'll then be invited to an online audition, where researchers will assess how they respond to being on TV. The BBC typically assigns contestants either red or blue teams at random. For special episodes, however, they might grant a preferred colour if requested. Each duo is handed a starting kitty of £300 by show producers to splurge on various antiques, with any leftover cash being funnelled into a bonus buy picked out by their expert. After the gavel falls at auction, the contestants pocket any profits made from their sales. Bargain Hunt fanatics have been bustling on Reddit sharing tales and triumphs from the show. A user recollected his girlfriend's stint on the series, where she snagged a small win of about £30. This admission triggered a wave of comments, including one exclaiming: "£30 is megabucks on Bargain Hunt!" Contestants are also allowed to hold onto the famous Bargain Hunt fleece as a keepsake, which are stripped of their original brand tags, Regatta, prior to filming. A Redditor confirmed this perk, writing: "You do [get to keep it]. If I remember correctly it's a Regatta fleece, nice and warm. They snip the Regatta tag off the zipper before filming." Echoing this sentiment, another piped up with credibility, saying: "I used to work on Bargain Hunt, can confirm that you get to keep the fleece." The iconic high kick that caps off each episode has become a talking point, with guests reportedly often only given a single shot at it. Reflecting on their stint on the show, an ex-participant reminisced: "I was on it a couple of years ago. There were so many reshoots over the two days that when it came to the kick, I completely half-a***d it, expecting at least one more go at it. Only take. Horrendously bad!" On their website, the BBC has outlined specific rules for acquiring items, cautioning: "We have a few rules. No weapons (including swords). We are also very wary of items made of animal products or parts. And if you buy something large, make sure you can carry it!".
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC Bargain Hunt guests left in tears after beloved item sells for more than '100 times its value'
BBC Bargain Hunt star Irita Marriott was left consoling the overwhelmed guest on her Discovery+ Show Bargain Hunt star Irita Marriott left a guest visibly emotional after their item sold for more than "100 times its value". The BBC antiques guru was hosting her Discovery+ series, The Derbyshire Auction House, when she discovered a heartfelt story with guest Helen and her son Ben. While scouring their home for hidden gems, Helen presented a set of family snaps which contained original signed shots from acclaimed photographers that dated back to 1975. They included works from Graham Smith and Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen, whose works are now displayed in the Tate Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum. In a heartbreaking twist, it was unveiled that the photos were being auctioned to help fund the care of Helen's husband, Alan. Alan was suffering from dementia at the time and required full time care. However, he sadly passed away before the episode aired with the money being used towards his funeral, the Mirror reports. The beloved snaps were once hanging in the hallway of their home, thanks to Alan's former role in promoting cinema and photography. The photographs were sold individually, with one estimated at £80 to £120. Their value quickly sparked a fierce bidding war, with the picture ultimately fetching an eye watering £12,000. After discovering the huge sum which the photo had sold for, Helen was moved to tears. Following the auction, Irita reflected on the difficult situation, noting: "It can't be easy for them. These items are things that they've lived with all their lives. "Now that Alan's gone into care, it's probably going to be really sad to see them go." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Helen's son Ben was also left "gobsmacked" by the outcome of the auction. He said: "I was absolutely gobsmacked at the values people were willing to bid for what we thought were just nice pictures... that we saw on the wall every day. Absolutely brilliant."
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC Bargain Hunt's Anita Manning transformation after making show history
BBC Bargain Hunt's Anita Manning's real age and transformation after making show history (Image: The Daily Record) Bargain Hunt enthusiasts are well-acquainted with the show's beloved expert, Anita Manning. The Glasgow-born treasure hunter has been a familiar face on the programme since her debut in 2010 and at 77, she's not only graced screens on Flog It! and Antiques Road Trip but also carved out a remarkable niche in history. Anita's fascination with antiques was sparked by childhood visits to auctions in Glasgow with her father. She proudly holds the title of Scotland's first female auctioneer, boasting over 50 years in the trade. Before diving into the world of antiques, Anita pursued studies in PE and dance, later shifting her focus to the buying and selling of furniture. Alongside her daughter, she has helmed Great Western Auctions in Glasgow since 1989. Reflecting on her illustrious career, Anita shared her enduring love for antiques. READ MORE: 'Amazon Prime Day saved me £90 on beauty last year – this time I've saved even more' The Glasgow-born treasure hunter has been a familiar face on the programme since her debut in 2010 (Image: Sunday Mail ) She said: "For as long as I can remember I have been passionate about Art, Antiques and Auctions.", reports the Daily Record. The star continued, expressing her admiration for the craftsmanship and design of the pieces she encounters, as well as the rich social history they represent, adding: "The beauty in craftsmanship and design, coupled with the social history of the objects, that I am privileged to handle on a daily basis, has been a continual source of joy." Anita also touched on the thrilling nature of her profession, stating: "The drama and excitement of the auction world has been a most stimulating environment and one I relish being a part of." Alongside her daughter, she has helmed Great Western Auctions in Glasgow since 1989 (Image: BBC) She concluded by recounting the origins of her business venture, revealing: "Great Western Auctions was established in 1989 by myself and my daughter, Lala." Anita pointed out: "Although the company has grown enormously over the last 26 years, we still regard ourselves as a family firm providing a personal experience and dedicated service to our clients." The auctioneer was once known for her iconic black bob but has recently undergone a stunning transformation, embracing a chic grey crop that left her followers in awe. Admirers have been scratching their heads about Anita's age as she's been a fixture on our screens for so long - she turned 77 last year and is gearing up to celebrate number 78 at the end of 2025. Apart from ruling the roost in the antiques world, Anita balances motherhood, with her son Luke residing in Hong Kong, while her daughter Lala teams up with her in business. Anita's commitment doesn't end at antiques; she's heavily involved in charity work, fuelled by her passion for lending a helping hand. Dive into the Daily Record's WhatsApp hub for breaking news delivered right to your fingertips. She had reason to pop the champagne last year when a Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell masterpiece, "Dahlias," fetched an eye-watering £220,000 under her gavel. Taking charge as the managing director and lead auctioneer, Anita started the bidding at an ambitious £80,000 and later shared: "Scottish Colourist still life works remain in demand, with an international fanbase. "They are fresh, modern-looking, instantly recognisable and have a universal appeal, a century on from being created." Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads. READ MORE: 'Biggest ever' teeth whitening sale beats Amazon Prime Day with 50% off
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Bargain Hunt star jailed for selling art to suspected Hezbollah financier
BBC Bargain Hunt expert Oghenochuko Ojiri has been jailed for two years and six months for failing to declare that he sold art to a suspected financier of Hezbollah. The 53-year-old admitted to eight counts of failing to disclose during business under the Terrorism Act 2000. Judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said Ojiri was aware that he had sold art to Nazem Ahmad, who had been sanctioned in 2019 by the US authorities. Hezbollah is considered a terrorist organisation in the UK (Image: Ben Whitley/PA) She stated: "These offences are so severe that only a custodial sentence can be justified." According to the BBC, the judge added: "You knew about Ahmad's suspected involvement in financing terrorism and the way the art market can be exploited by people like him. "Your hard work, talent and charisma has brought you a great deal of success... You knew you should not have been dealing with that man." She added that there was no evidence that Ojiri supported any form of extremism but that his conduct undermined he detection of terrorist financing. Representing the BBC Bargain Hunt star, Gavin Irwin said that the art expert's "humiliation is complete," adding that the star has lost "his good name" and the "work he loves." Mr Irwin added: "He'd like to apologise for undermining trust" in the art market. Discussing the case, Cdr Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, said: "Raising money for terrorism is a core part of how terrorist groups are then able to cause harm around the world." Bethan David, head of the CPS Counter Terrorism Division, said Ojiri's motivation appeared "to be financial, along with a broader desire to boost his gallery's reputation within the art market by dealing with such a well-known collector." He added: "This prosecution is believed to be the first of its kind, and the CPS will not hesitate to bring criminal charges against individuals who flout the law in this way." According to the House of Lords Library, Hezbollah is an armed Shiite militia group that is backed by Iran, which largely operates in Lebanon. Giving the UK Government's reasoning for classifying it as a terrorist group in 2024, it added: "It has been proscribed in its entirety by the UK as a terrorist organisation since 2019. "The current conflict between Hezbollah and Israel continues. Hezbollah has fired rockets at Israeli territory whilst Israel has launched retaliatory airstrikes—including that which saw the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah." It concluded by saying: "The UK has called for an immediate ceasefire to provide space for a diplomatic settlement."
Metro
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
BBC Bargain Hunt star Ochuko Ojiri jailed for terrorist financing
Bargain Hunt star Ochuko Ojiri has been jailed for failing to report a series of high-value art sales to a man suspected of being a Hezbollah financier. The art dealer, 53, pleaded guilty to eight counts under the Terrorism Act 2000 of failing to make a disclosure during the course of business. He has been sentenced to jail for two and a half years after selling artwork worth around £140,000 to Nazem Ahmad, a man designated by US authorities as a suspected financier for the Lebanese organisation. Ojiri has made regular appearances on the BBC programme as well as Antiques Road Trip. The 53-year-old, from west London, was charged following an investigation into terrorist financing by officers from the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit (NTFIU), part of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, a Met Police statement reveals. He is the first person to be charged with a specific offence under Section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Described as an 'expert' in a Bargain Hunt Q&A on the BBC's website, Ojiri said he was 'absolutely obsessed' with collecting contemporary art, paintings, prints, sculpture and drawings. More Trending He also discusses his role and says his favourite parts of it are 'meeting new people, and breathing new life and context into forgotten and neglected treasures'. When asked why he chose a career in antiques, he said: 'No other industry would accept my rare mixture of sarcasm, cynicism and passion.' He also said he had 'no idea' why he became involved in Bargain Hunt, and would want to work in 'forecast trends' if not in antiques. View More » 'You're literally looking into the future, deciding what you'll eat before you're even hungry. Mind blowing.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: BBC Bargain Hunt star Ochuko Ojiri pleads guilty to terrorist financing
