In 2000 I was asked to join the team at BBC's Antiques Roadshow. I was extremely flattered to be asked and for the first few years it was a steep learning process. The team on the Roadshow is very professional, not just the Specialists, but also the Directors, the Camera crew and even the guys who fetch and carry and drive the lorries. It’s one big happy family.
The question I get asked most frequently is "Do you know in advance what's going to be at each Roadshow?" The answer is emphatically "No". The spontaneity that you see sitting in your armchairs is 100% genuine!
Most of the items that show up at each venue are ordinary pieces worth £5 to £500, but that's never disappointing because we get to meet such interesting people, many of whom have been queuing for hours just to see a Specialist like myself. What I say in front of the camera I usually compose about 5 minutes before getting in front of the camera – but in truth that’s the easy part - the difficult part is accomplished in the editing suite where the editors clip together the best bits to try and make us look good for you to enjoy on Sunday evenings!
