Flog It! star reveals behind scenes secret BBC fans don’t know. (Image: BBC)
Antiques expert Charlie Ross has revealed a behind-the-scenes secret from Flog It!, which may come as a surprise to the show’s loyal viewers.
Charlie explained the workings of the show in which members of the public bring objects of unknown value to a panel of two to three experts who estimate what the items might fetch at auction.
In his autobiography, Sold!, Charlie says: “What viewers didn’t know was that we, the experts, were backed up by a very knowledgeable team of off-screen valuers whose detailed advice we ignored at our peril!”
In addition to Flog It!, Charlie is a familiar face on ‘s Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip. However, he has revealed why .
The 74-year-old admitted: “The and I made a mistake. Theirs was to ask me if I would like to join the Antiques Roadshow team, mine was to say yes.”
:
Charlie Ross is known for appearing on Flog It!, Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip. (Image: Getty)
The opportunity to feature on one of the ‘s flagship evening programmes seemed too good to pass up. However, Charlie soon realised that the atmosphere wasn’t right.
He wrote about his experience meeting the team for dinner before filming and how things took a turn for the worse during valuation day.
The TV star shared a humorous yet controversial moment when a woman brought in a Spanish Armada strongbox.
Recalling his exchange with a guest, he said: “Madam, how lovely to meet you. May I say what a magnificent chest you have.”
The wisecrack elicited laughter from the woman and crew, yet not everyone was amused, resulting in a scolding from the director.
The light-hearted comment was deemed unsuitable for the “serious programme” and the scene was reshot minus the jest.
Reflecting on his experience, Charlie remarked, “After a few undistinguished appearances, I suggested that perhaps Antiques Roadshow wasn’t really for me. They agreed, and I moved on to less serious programmes better suited to my wish to entertain as well as inform.”
Charlie Ross has made a name for himself outside of television and gained fame for his role in vintage car auctions. His most notable triumph occurred during the sale of the 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Prototype, achieving a staggering $16 million price tag in 2011.
He has been married to his wife, Sally, for more than 40 years and they share two children and four grandchildren.