04 September 2023 , 16:59
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In the hope of generating higher viewing figures the BBC decided to revamp The Antiques Roadshow - but it looks as though their attempts fell flat.
The 46th series of the popular show aired on Sunday. The premise of the show looks at ordinary people who bring their items along to show Fiona Bruce and her team of experts, in the hope that it is worth a lot of money. And for some people the value of their item is most certainly life changing.
On Sunday night's episode, which saw the new format of the show, valuables included an Omega watch, a teapot, Star Wars Memorabilia and drag queen costumes - items some viewers felt appealed to a younger demographic and left them feeling "old" while watching their favourite show.
Antiques Roadshow host Fiona Bruce in programme revamp (BBC)On the episode, one guest was left amazed to discover the value of the miniature silver teapot he had inherited from his great-uncle and aunt. Expert Duncan Campbell was left just as astounded by the remarkable value: "This is the nicest teapot I've certainly ever seen on an Antiques Roadshow - arguably, I've ever seen, I absolutely adore it, and I'm more than a little bit envious!"
The guest then explained he inherited it from his great-uncle and aunt, who didn't have children, so they spent their money on collecting antiques. Duncan added: "I think it's absolutely gorgeous", before pointing out that it's a miniature "bullet" engraved silver teapot, which was made by the most sought after silversmith Paul de Lamerie and is remarkably uncommon. Duncan said the teapot was worth an astonishing £12,000."
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And as the team were in Swanage, Dorset, a historical element was also introduced into the show. However, it seems that fans of the long-running show did not share the same enthusiasm for the new format as producers may have hoped. And they made their feelings known when they took to social media.
One fan said: "Never dreamt I'd feel old watching #antiquesroadshow but sadly I do. Far too much chat and Fiona Bruce. Longing for old format." Another added: "Hi @BBC_ARoadshow a bit of viewer feedback (and I'm not alone, judging by Twitter): too many non-antiques; too much padding; too much frippery; and too much Fiona. #antiquesroadshow."
A third jumped on board and wrote: "100%. This is awful. As a life-long viewer it's so sad to see. I really hope it's just for that Dorset episode." And this was reiterated by a fourth who said: "New Look #antiquesroadshow it’s just awful … just value some flipping antiques."
This is perhaps the first time the show has had so much bad feedback regarding its format. In what was a new segment of the show, Fiona is seen with more airtime than usual midway through the episode where she took on the task of trying to value some rare vases herself outside the comfort of her team of experts. A fifth disgruntled expressed the same sentiment and said: "This new style antiques road show, I'm bored at home, imagine being there. #antiquesroadshow."
Meanwhile a sixth seemed to target Fiona and her involvement and said: "When are they going to go the whole hog and rename it 'Fiona Bruce’s Antiques Roadshow'?" The series will continue to air every Sunday and so after Swanage Fiona and her team will travel to Crystal Palace Park in London, Ebrington Square in Derry-Londonderry, Roundhay Park in Leeds, Pollok House and Pollok Country Park in Glasgow and Cathays Park in Cardiff.