Bargain Hunt star opens up on moment contestant failed challenge ‘they’re straight out’

star Christina Trevanion has spilled the beans of some behind the scene secrets as the show celebrates its 25th anniversary.

The hit show has remained hugely popular over the years, pulling in an average two million viewers every day. Contestants are given one hour to spend up to £300 on three items at an antiques fair.

The team that makes the biggest profit or smallest loss at auction wins – but it has been about the joy of taking part for many.

During Thursday’s (March 13) episode of Morning Live, the TV host was presenting live from Devon as she revealed the one mistake contestants make that has them missing out on the iconic Golden Gavel.

Joined by one of the show directors, Ben, Christina pointed out: “There is one thing most, well I will say all contestants want from the show and that is of course the Golden Gavel.”

Christina asked: “Now how does one win a Golden Gavel?” Ben explained: “It’s straight forward. Three items and three profits, it’s as simple as that.”

“It’s not as simple as that,” Chrisitina said. “Because they can be very elusive those Golden Gavels.”

The TV host then went on to say: “Of course some of our contestants come on the show and think ‘we get to spend the day at an antiques fair, we get to run around and we have the whole day’ but that’s not the chase is it?”

Ben confirmed: “No. So they all get an hour on the clock so 60 minutes. You know people come in and think ‘aw you know we can have a wonder round because of the magic of television’ but no 60 minutes on the clock.”

Christina revealed: “60 minutes that’s it and we have had some teams that actually haven’t bought their three items in the 60 minutes.”

Ben replied: “Yes, in a couple of shows there have been teams that haven’t got all three items.” Christina added: “So they go to auction with just two items so that’s the golden gavel straight out.”

You can catch up on Bargain Hunt on iPlayer