Bargain Hunt host Eric Knowles was stunned when one team made TV history (Image: BBC)
host Eric Knowles was left utterly astounded when one team broke the record on the prized show, albeit for all the wrong reasons.
In a dramatic twist of fate, contestants Geraldine and Washington failed to meet the criteria set by the programme’s chiefs, having only acquired two items for auction.
The beloved show, which challenges two teams against each other to scour for treasures with hopes of raking in sizeable profits, unfortunately got off to a rocky start.
Geraldine and Washington admitted they “needed positive energy” before their moment of truth at the auction after they only brought two items to the auction house.
They were soon met with a reality check delivered by Eric himself. He informed them: “I’ve got to say, you have made Bargain Hunt history by virtue of you only managing to buy two items.”
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The red team caused chaos with a major rule-break (Image: BBC)
In their hunt, the pair successfully snagged a coveted Doulton jug and a duo of vintage tennis racquets, yet they stumbled on fulfilling their shopping list.
Eric regretfully imposed a sanction on them, stating: “The fact you were unable to buy your big spend and your big challenge means that you get penalised, I’m sorry to say.”
Their shortfall meant they began with a £75 deficit as per the show’s rules. He explained: “The ruling is that, because you didn’t do the £75 spend, you start with minus £75.”
And things only went from bad to worse for the team folling their major setback, with the duo only managing a meagre £1 profit post-auction, reports .
Undeterred by the setback, Charles sprung a lifeline on them: an opportunity to invest in an Art Deco clock valued at £200 that could potentially turn their fortunes around.
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Surprisingly, they won with £130 in profit (Image: BBC)
He remarked about the item: “When you want to buy something Art Deco, it’s always in demand. When you want to buy something which is silver and enamel, that’s very much in demand as well today. People love silver and enamel, put the two together, a gorgeous Art Deco timepiece. Do you like it? “.
The duo took the plunge and bought the piece, which turned out to be a wise decision as the clock fetched an impressive £380 at auction, netting them a profit of £130.
However, their win was met with discontent among viewers, who vented their frustrations on social media. A disgruntled viewer commented: “Wasn’t worth the hype […] red team were gifted a win by @HansonsAuctions – but they shouldn’t have been allowed a bonus but if they hadn’t bought three items! “.
Another viewer expressed their irritation: “Shouldn’t have been allowed to compete with only a £75 forfeit. Others can just do that now, but like the red team, still win! Should have been disqualified in my opinion! “.
Yet, not everyone was disappointed; one person shared their excitement online: “Brilliant! This has got be the best episode ever! What larks! “.
Bargain Hunt airs on weekdays from 12.15pm on One or catch up on iPlayer.