Bargain Hunt is a light-hearted and fun antiques show on BBC One. It is broadcast, in England, during the week, typically between 12.15-1pm however Bargain Hunt’s lengths and starting time way depending on the time of the year. Bargain Hunt originated in 2000 where the master of ceremonies (the presenter to you and me) was David Dickenson. However in 2003 that role was taken over by Tim Wonnacott.

The rules of Bargain Hunt have altered over the years, but the standard rules today are as follows: there are two teams, a red team and a blue team who go to an antiques center or an antiques fair and buy up to three items spending no more than £300. They have one hour to shop for these items and are assisted by experts (many of whom are auctioneers and notable people in the antiques world. Any remaining money (or “Left Over Lolly”, in the words of Tim Wonnacott) is then given to the expert to buy a bonus buy. The items are sold at auction and any profit is kept by the contestants. The Bargain Hunt contestants can choose whether to go with the bonus buy or not. If they go with it and it makes a profit this is added to their total, if they make a loss it is deducted. The item is sold anyway, but only makes a difference to the profits if the contestants have chosen to go with it. The Bargain Hunt team with the greatest total profit, or indeed as is often the case, the lowest loss is the winner. If you’re interested you can apply to go on the show following this link.

Bargain Hunt has quickly become a modern British Institution, whilst in many ways it isn’t held in as firm regard as some of the more serious antiques programme, such as the Antiques Road Show, there is a certain quality to it that most other antique shows can only dream of. Bargain Hunt is admired by people of all ages. The show has done well to court younger viewers (particularly students) with surprisingly up-to-date music and cheeky gags by the lovable host whilst not alienating the older audiences who may be traditionally more interested in antiques.

There are many things that make Bargain Hunt so interesting, the fact that the contestants buy from a general retail environment (antique centers) to a wholesale market (an auction) injects the show with a jolly sense of British cynicism and impending doom. In fact the show embraces losses, and Tim Wonnacott’s pushes to get the teams to spend as much dosh as possible only spurs on these torrential losses.

The show has been responsible for trends in the market place and educating people on antiques. However, it doesn’t do it in the stuffy and often inaccessible way of shows like the Antiques Road Show, or indeed in the often cash-conscious way of Dickenson’s Real Deal or Car Booty. There is an enormous sense of fun in Bargain Hunt that is infectious and shows a real love for antiques.

Finally the experts themselves are widely eccentric, camp, funny and often larger than life. I won’t go into detail on all of them, but merely express my opinions on a couple of my favourites.

First there’s Tim Wonnacott himself, fine he’s not strictly an expert but he deserves more than just a scattering of references within this article. He is a man of undoubted class, skill and expertise in the antiques world. When trying to predict the outcome of the auction, nine times out of ten, Tim will be bang on the mark. He dresses in loud waistcoats, in which one would imagine every pocket contains a pocket watch, cigar case of finally embroidered handkerchief, and is almost always a sporting a hat outdoors. His often risqué jokes and darting eyebrows make him a legend.

There’s Charles Hanson (or Carlos as Tim affectionately refers to him) who is the baby of the Bargain Hunt expert teams (although as a head auctioneer I imagine he’s getting on a bit in years). He’s as enthusiastic as a dog for a bone.

Then there’s Anita Manning, who is Scotland’s first female auctioneer. She’s another sweet expert, fond of Celtic Jewellery who adds a dose of optimism to Bargain Hunt. She’s also a devilish auctioneer who gets good prices and she has a keen eye, with most of her items turning over large profits.

Finally I’ll give a quick mention to Phillip Serrell, an avid Treen collector and a strong auctioneer. He’s funny and theatrical and has a good rapport with Tim Wonnacotte.

Bargain Hunt sums up a lot of what I think is best about Britain, in its approach, in its sense of fun and in its eccentricities. So if you’ve somehow managed to never see it, I’d suggest you give it a watch or better yet apply to be on the show. So see you next time yes?