One expert couldn’t resist taking a subtle swipe at the show’s host as he shared a one-word verdict on
Andy McConnell, 72, is the programme’s resident glassware expert, and was quizzed by This Is Money about his experience working on the show since joining in 2007.
Along with a team of other experts, researchers and producers, Andy has worked to value some incredible items over the years. And he’s done it alongside some iconic presenters.
Though Fiona Bruce hosts the programme now, she was preceded by both Hugh Scully and Michael Aspel. Aspel retired in 2008, while Scully – who died in 2015 – left Antiques Roadshow in 2000.
Andy was asked what Fiona is like to work with, and couldn’t resist making a jab at one of the retired hosts. He told the publication: “She’s great. I much prefer her to Michael Aspel, her predecessor. She is a woman with swagger and intelligence.”
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Antiques Roadshow expert Andy McConnell weighed in on the show’s hosts (Image: BBC)
And asked what his salary is like, Andy admitted: “It pays more than my and it’s a great pleasure to be part of the show.”
In a separate interview, Andy confessed “it’s astonishing I got away with it for 20 years” at his job. He told The I Paper: “Years ago, I did 11 of the 12 locations for Antiques Roadshow. But today, I’m about as fashionable as a verruca – a posh, white, heterosexual and ageing man. I’m yesterday’s news.
Fiona Bruce took over presenting duties from Michael Aspel (Image: Getty)
“Years ago, I did 11 of the 12 locations for Antiques Roadshow. But today, I’m about as fashionable as a verruca – a posh, white, heterosexual and ageing man. I’m yesterday’s news.”
He went on to joke that he should earn “at least £78million” per episode, admitting he’s not happy with the huge salaries some staff are given. He said: “Knowing what some presenters earn narks me, but it’s a public service broadcaster and I do it for the craic rather than the money. I’m honoured to be part of the Antiques Roadshow team.”