BBC Antiques Road Trip host mocks guest after huge loss ‘Why are you clapping?’

‘s Celebrity expert Margie Cooper was left bemused after James Crossley – best known as his alter ego Hunter on the 90s version of – seemed delighted with a loss he made on the show.

The former Saturday night TV favourite had been quite taken with a pair of brass statues as he and Margie scoured the shops of Lancashire for items to sell at auction.

Although they resembled Spanish conquistadors he felt they were “gladitorial”. He was far keener on the purchase than Margie. However she yielded to his enthusiasm for them and they managed to talk the vendor down from £175 to £125.

Sadly for James when the items went to auction buyers weren’t as keen as he was on the pair. After the back and forth of the auction process they sold for £85.

Despite his £40 loss James seemed impressed with how much they made and applauded the result. This led Margie to incredulously enquire: “What are you clapping at a loss for?”

Despite failing to make any money James still presented Margie with a gift at the end of the auction.

“Because you’ve been so amazing, I’ve got you a little present,” he told her.

Explaining it was an antique he asked her to close her eyes and guess what it was before putting a vintage action figure of his Gladiators character in her hand, much to her amusement.

James appeared on the show opposite fellow veteran Gladiator Diane Youdale, otherwise known as Jet, who was paired with expert Ishy Khan.

Her choices didn’t fare better than James as she made a loss on every single item, including some pewter plates which she had high hopes for.

Ultimately Diane, who couldn’t make it to the auction due to illness, lost a whopping £196.88 on her items.

Meanwhile James was only ever so slightly ahead of her with a loss of £191.28.

Despite this he still seemed delighted by his victory and emerged from the auction rooms singing Queen’s We Are The Champions.