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Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
CHRISTOPHER STEVENS reviews Fake Or Fortune? on BBC1: Was this £140 market find really a priceless painting by Churchill?
The question divided an empire. When pouring a cuppa, should you put the milk in first, or add it to the tea afterwards? George Orwell, writing in 1946 when tea was strictly rationed to two ounces a week (about enough for 30 teabags), was adamant. 'Pour tea into the cup first . . . One is liable to put in too much milk if one does it the other way round.' But Evelyn Waugh, in a letter nine years later to Nancy Mitford, took the opposite line: 'All nannies and many governesses, when pouring out tea, put the milk in first. (It is said by tea-fanciers to produce a richer mixture.)' Clearly, it's an issue of class. Orwell was the son of a petty official in the Indian civil service, and solidly lower-middle class. Waugh, an inveterate snob and social climber, yearned to be as upper-class as the Mitfords actually were. And what do you suppose Fiona Bruce is - a milk-in-first toff or an add-to-taste commoner? The answer was revealed as she wielded a teapot in the tea-rooms of Blenheim Palace on Fake Or Fortune?, at the beginning of an examination of an unsigned oil painting allegedly by Winston Churchill. Best excuse of the night: Tackling her driving test as the hilarious Mandy (BBC2) returned, Diane Morgan's devious, feckless character begged for leniency from the examiner. 'I'm perimenopausal and I've got ADHD,' she pleaded. That's a free pass for everything. Casually, she poured the tea into a porcelain cup with the milk already in it. Now we know. Sadly, we never did find out for sure about the Churchill. All the signs were that this picture, painted in the gardens of Herstmonceux castle in Sussex, was the real deal - one of Winston's earliest, from 1916, with his wife, Clementine, perched on a wall above a cascade of pink roses. But despite a wealth of corroborating evidence, no expert was willing to risk authenticating it without paperwork. And as the owner, an amateur enthusiast named Barry, had picked it up at an open-air market for £140, it lacked what Fake Or Fortune? fans have learned to call 'provenance'. This was glum news for Barry. A kosher Winston could fetch half a million quid. A questionable one is worth perhaps a fifth of that. Still, a tidy little profit on a punt at an art fayre. As always, the real interest in this show lay in the clues picked out by discerning eyes. Art dealer Philip Mould pointed out how dabs of blue were smeared onto the green mass of a tree in the background, giving the impression of sky shimmering through the leaves - a trick typical of the British Bulldog himself. A note on the back of the canvas also attributed it to Churchill. Handwriting expert Emma Bache compared this inscription to various letters and matched it to the pen of Colonel Claude Lowther, an MP who owned Herstmonceux a century ago. Conclusive, surely. With mealy-mouthed BBC prissiness, Philip pointed out that, 'in recent years, Winston Churchill has become a more divisive figure'. Why's that? Did he pour his tea in before the milk?
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Fake Or Fortune guest gobsmacked by life-changing value of 'Winston Churchill painting' bought for just £140 that almost went undetected
A Fake Or Fortune guest is left gobsmacked by the value of a 'Winston Churchill painting' that almost went undetected during Monday's instalment of the BBC1 show. The programme returns to our screens this evening (21 July 2025) for the first episode of the brand new season. And viewers are in for a treat as an art collector called Barry James is told the true value of his art work supposedly painted by Winston Churchill. The guest tells host Fiona Bruce, 61, and art dealer Philip Mould, 65, that he originally bought the piece for just £140 at an antiques market in the village of Ardingly, in West Sussex. He is later told that if it is the real deal, the art work could be worth a whopping £600,000. In a spoiler posted on the show's Instagram account, Fiona says: 'Barry James, a passionate carer and art collector believes he may have done just that. 'He recently discovered a painting he believes to be by none other than Sir Winston Churchill.' Phillip says: 'So the owner of the painting has agreed to show it to us in one of the houses that Churchill used to stay in. 'You'll love it. A modest sort of place.' In another sneak peek of them seeing the painting for the first time, Fiona says: 'It's very pretty work isn't it?' Philip says: 'Could this painting of an English garden on a summer's day be one of Sir Winston's lost works?' The episode's synopsis on TVGuide reads: 'Fiona Bruce and art expert Philip Mould investigate the complex and controversial stories surrounding the origins of supposedly valuable works of art from around the world. 'In this episode, they discover the story behind a picture of a summer garden painted in 1916 that might be a lost work by Winston Churchill. 'If it is genuine, then it could be worth upwards of half a million pounds. 'However, there is currently no official body authenticating Churchill's work.' Fans have taken to Instagram to share their excitement over the show's return. 'Cant not wait to see knew episodes missed you guys sooooooo much.' 'Best show on Telly!' 'Can't wait to see this episode!' 'This cannot come quick enough.' This isn't the first time recently that someone has been left in shock to find out the true value of their beloved possessions. An Antiques Roadshow guest took an expert's breath away with an 'absolutely superb' item never seen on the show before - which turned out to be worth an eye-watering sum. A rediscovered episode of the BBC show from 2016 sees presenter Fiona Bruce, 61, and the experts head to Scarborough Grand Spa Hall on the North Yorkshire coast. The specialist appraisers met with guests to value their family heirlooms and heritage items - with expert Ronnie Archer Morgan, 75, taken aback by one in particular. He spoke to a woman who had brought in a Polynesian, club-like tribal weapon for evaluation - which was unlike anything he had seen on the programme before. Ronnie, an expert in tribal art and weaponry, opened by asking: 'What's a feminine person like you doing with a big, heavy, aggressive thing like this?' She explained: 'Well, it belongs to my dad actually, it's not mine, and it was passed down to him by his dad who acquired it through some elderly spinster ladies who gave it to him. 'He was a solicitor in Scarborough town so that's how but I don't know anything more.' Ronnie told them that it was a type of weapon called a Fijian Bulibuli and said: 'The market for this sort of thing is more in Paris or in Brussels and in New York. 'But they get very excited and they've got galleries that deal in this sort of stuff and a nice one of these would probably be £8,000 to £10,000.'
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Antiques Roadshow guest 'takes expert's breath away' with 'absolutely superb' item never seen on show before worth life-changing sum - gasping 'I'm beside myself!'
An Antiques Roadshow guest takes an expert's breath away with an 'absolutely superb' item never seen on the show before - which turned out to be worth a life-changing sum. A rediscovered episode of the BBC show from 2016 sees presenter Fiona Bruce, 61, and the experts head to Scarborough Grand Spa Hall on the North Yorkshire coast. The specialist appraisers met with guests to value their family heirlooms and heritage items - with expert Ronnie Archer Morgan, 75, taken aback by one in particular. He spoke to a woman who had brought in a Polynesian, club-like tribal weapon for evaluation - which was unlike anything he had seen on the programme before. Ronnie, an expert in tribal art and weaponry, opened by asking: 'What's a feminine person like you doing with a big, heavy, aggressive thing like this?' She explained: 'Well, it belongs to my dad actually, it's not mine, and it was passed down to him by his dad who acquired it through some elderly spinster ladies who gave it to him. 'He was a solicitor in Scarborough town so that's how but I don't know anything more.' The slightly unclear origins of the item did not matter to Ronnie - who was just floored by its quality. He exclaimed: 'Amazing. I can't actually believe what I'm looking at. This is absolutely superb. 'It's a Fijian Bulibuli and this is a thing of rare beauty. It is really what us collectors look for. This is the best I've ever seen.' This type of weapon from the South Pacific island nation typically has a straight, long handle with a rounded head and protruding decorative circles on it. The guest's item was completely textbook, with raised carved studs. She responded, incredulous, to Ronnie's praise for it: 'Really? Wow!' The expert explained the grisly way such weapons have been used over the years: 'It is for caving in skulls, of course, and it would do that with some ferocity. 'And actually, they've often found people's skulls on these islands in Fiji and Tonga and places like that and the skulls are caved in and it's not surprising, is it?' He predicted the handle, in particular, was likely from the 18th or early 19th century - and boasted unique features compared other clubs of this kind. It was made from chip-carved iron wood, which describes a kind of hand cutting technique of very hard, dense wood. 'The chip carving goes all the way down the shaft. I've only ever seen them with plain shafts so this one is as good as it gets', Ronnie said. 'The colour is superb and the colour would have been as important to the owner as, say, the colour of someone's tie today. 'It said who the tribesman was. It's a prestige object as well as a weapon. 'The man who owned this would have carried it with a swagger. It said who he was.' It was much bigger than the typical club, Ronnie explained: 'I've never seen one this long either. 'Normally, they are a good six, seven, eight inches shorter than this.' All of these amazing features had the expert absolutely awestruck and speaking in the strongest terms: 'It just takes my breath away. 'I'm really beside myself with excitement. I just want to throw my collection away, that's the truth of the matter. 'I know some dealers that had one and they thought it was the best thing they ever had and it was half as good as this and I'm not joking. 'Did you have any idea what a rare thing this - how did it find its way from the middle of the Pacific to Scarborough? It's just unbelievable.' Ronnie had massively built up the anticipation ahead of the all-important valuation - and it did not disappoint. 'And with an unbelievable object comes an unbelievable price', he said. 'I'm thinking about this. The market for this sort of thing is more in Paris or in Brussels and in New York. 'But they get very excited and they've got galleries that deal in this sort of stuff and a nice one of these would probably be £8,000 to £10,000.' The guest, eyes wide, was astonished by this - but Ronnie was not done yet. 'This, I would stick my neck out and say if you had to buy this from the Sablon [antiques market] in Brussels, I think it would cost you between £30,000 and maybe £35,000. 'I really think it could make that.' The woman was blown away by the prospect of such a life-changing sum: 'Wow! That's amazing!' Ronnie could not help but continue to be effusive about the historic object: 'It is the best I've ever seen and I really mean that. I can only dream.' The owner responded: 'Oh, I'm so happy. My dad's going to be absolutely thrilled. That's fantastic. Thank you so much.' It comes after another guest, on a more recent episode of the show, learnt from Ronnie their items were also worth a huge sum - after they had nearly been thrown away. The man, speaking from Clissold Park in London's Stoke Newington area, explained he found them five years ago when he came across some builders throwing things away. He said: 'I was a cheeky chappie, asked them if I could have a look, buy some bits and bobs, done a deal.' It was then he acquired an archive collection of vibrant fabrics made by pioneer artist Althea McNish. Althea immigrated to the UK from Trinidad and Tobago in 1951, soon calling London her new home. After graduating university in 1957, the designer received her first commission from fashion brand Dior, setting her up on a path to success. She worked for a number of famous clients over the years, even designing Queen Elizabeth II's wardrobe for her royal visit to Trinidad. Althea passed away in 2020 at the age of 95. Speaking about the renowned artist, Ronnie said: 'She was probably the most influential post-war textile designer that Britain has seen. 'She brought the colour and the vibrancy of Trinidad to the shores of post-war Britain and at a time when we really needed colour here.' The guest also had pages of her designs, still boasting their bright colours despite being five decades old He added Althea worked variously for iconic department store Liberty as well as fabric company Danasco. The guest also had pages of her designs, still boasting their bright colours despite being five decades old. When it came to the all important valuation, Ronnie started by saying some of her designs could fetch £2,500 per square meter. Cautioning it would all need to be calculated, he then said: 'I think this archive and what you've brought to us here is worth in excess of £250,000.' The contributor, clearly blown away by the figure, remarked: 'That's blown me away. 'It's just been an incredible journey of learning and knowledge, I've loved every minute.' Antiques Roadshow is available to watch and to stream on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Fiona Bruce's prime-time BBC series makes comeback and it's 'full of twists'
A hit BBC One series is due to return to TV screens in a matter of days, with Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould set to team up as hosts The beloved BBC series Fake or Fortune? is gearing up for its 13th outing, with Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould at the helm. The art investigation programme is set to grace our screens once more on BBC One, featuring Antiques Roadshow 's Fiona alongside art expert Philip as they embark on a fresh quest through a new trove of artworks. Produced by BBC Studios Entertainment Productions, this season promises an unprecedented twist: revisiting previous artworks to discover their fates since first appearing on the show. The dynamic duo will be exploring pieces linked to illustrious figures such as Churchill, Renoir, and Frances Hodgkins. The season kicks off on Monday, 21 July, with carer and budding art collector Barry joining as a special guest, reports the Express. In the opening episode, Barry brings a painting he snagged at a Sussex antiques fair, which bears a clue on its reverse suggesting it was crafted by Winston Churchill in June 1916 at Herstmonceux Castle. Together, they delve into the mystery of whether Churchill truly painted it and what value it might hold. Art dealer Philip, who also co-created Fake or Fortune?, expressed his excitement about the new series, stating: "Each series of Fake or Fortune? continues to surprise me with the unique challenges and complexities involved in authenticating art. "Breakthroughs in information retrieval and forensic science have dramatically broadened the scope of our research and the resources available to us, making the procedure more thorough—and more captivating—than ever before. It's been an absolute delight encountering the contributors featured in this newest series; the stakes and emotions have never been more intense. Viewers are in for a genuine treat with these investigations." Meanwhile, journalist Fiona, best known for fronting Antiques Roadshow, remarked: "As always, our investigations in this series have been full of twists and the most unexpected turns. With some of the biggest names in the art world, the outcomes have been potentially life changing for the owners. "From an unloved picture hidden in a cupboard to one picked up by chance as part of a job lot at auction, the series continues to uncover hidden treasures." Robert Murphy, Series Editor at BBC Studios Entertainment Productions, commented: "Audiences are in for a rollercoaster ride with the intriguing new cases in our thirteenth series. "It's always a pleasure to bring new works of art to the screen and to explore how the art world is changing at rapid speed due to technological advances. It takes a heady mix of investigative research, forensic science and art world politics and to solve these puzzles - and with forgers lurking in the shadows, there is always a risk that a fabulous treasure might not be quite all that it seems." The latest series of Fake or Fortune? comprises six episodes, with each one showcasing a fresh investigation.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fiona Bruce & Nick Robinson Become Highest-Paid BBC News Presenters After Huw Edwards' Exit
BBC News has two new highest-paid presenters after Huw Edwards exited in ignominy last year. Fiona Bruce and Nick Robinson both earned as much as £415,000 ($558,000) in the year to March 2025, according to the BBC's annual report. More from Deadline After Numerous Scandals, BBC Boss Tim Davie Says He's Had A "Tough Period" But Is Going Nowhere: "This Job Is Not One You Take If You Want A Quiet Life" 'MasterChef' Is "Much Bigger Than Individuals," Says BBC Boss In Wake Of Gregg Wallace Exit BBC License Fee Income Hits Record High Match of the Day host Gary Lineker was the BBC's best-paid presenter overall for the eighth consecutive year, taking home £1.35M. It will be the last time he tops the list after stepping down in recent weeks. Robinson, who fronts Radio 4's Today show, received a £65,000 pay increase thanks to his work on the UK general election, during which he interviewed leaders including Keir Starmer. Bruce, who presents BBC News bulletins and Question Time, took home a £5,000 bump in salary over the period covered by the annual report. Although they have replaced Edwards at the top of the BBC News money tree, neither pocketed as much as the former presenter did last year. Edwards earned as much as £440,000 before he resigned and later pleaded guilty to accessing child abuse images. The BBC has made unsuccessful attempts to claw back some of this cash. There were pay rises for many journalists following a seismic year of news in 2024, including the U.S. presidential election. Laura Kuenssberg received a £70,000 raise, taking her total pay to as much as £400,000. Americast host Justin Webb got a £45,000 bump, meaning he pocketed as much as £370,000. Football presenters Alan Shearer and Mark Chapman both benefited from salary gains of at least £60,000 because of UEFA Euro 2024. Below is a table of the BBC's 20 highest-paid presenters: Gary Lineker Match of the Day £1,350,000 – £1,354,999 Zoe Ball BBC Radio 2 £515,000 – £519,999 Alan Shearer Match of the Day £440,000 – £444,999 Greg James BBC Radio 1 £425,000 – £429,999 Nick Robinson Today £410,000 – £414,999 Fiona Bruce Question Time £410,000 – £414,999 Stephen Nolan Radio Ulster / BBC One (NI) / Radio 5 live £405,000 – £409,999 Laura Kuenssberg Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg £395,000 – £399,999 Vernon Kay BBC Radio 2 £390,000 – £394,999 Justin Webb Today £365,000 – £369,999 Scott Mills BBC Radio 2 £355,000 – £359,999 Naga Munchetty Radio & TV £355,000 – £359,999 Sophie Raworth BBC News at Six and Ten £350,000 – £354,999 Clive Myrie BBC News at Six and Ten £335,000 – £339,999 Mark Chapman Sport (Multiple) £325,000 – £329,999 Mishal Husain Today £325,000 – £329,999 Amol Rajan Today £315,000 – £319,999 Jeremy Vine BBC Radio 2 £310,000 – £314,999 Sara Cox BBC Radio 2 £310,000 – £314,999 Best of Deadline Everything We Know About Amazon's 'Verity' Movie So Far 'Street Fighter' Cast: Who's Who In The Live-Action Arcade Film Adaption 2025-26 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Emmys, Oscars, Grammys & More
