During the latest episode of , a seasoned expert found himself in hot water after making an awkward comment to the show’s new antique specialist ahead of their auction showdown.
The fresh face on the scene, Tahmina Ghaffar, who boasts expertise in Indian and Islamic art and heads the department at Chiswick Auctions, joined veteran David Harper for a best of five series this week.
The pair were scouring the countryside of Lancashire and Greater for hidden gems, each armed with a £200 budget to snap up five items from local shops.
Tahmina’s haul included an antique fencing set, a brass crocodile, an Indian vase, a ceramic jelly mould, and a brass chest, while David opted for a set of shot glasses, a spice box, a toilet mirror, a Royal Doulton piece, and a copper and brass cauldron.
Upon arriving at Morley auctioneers, David referred to Tahmina as an “interesting creature” and questioned her: “Have you ever been to an auction before?”
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Antiques Road Trip’s David was forced to apologise to Tahima (Image: BBC)
To which she replied with a laugh: “David, don’t you know I work in auction?” prompting David to quickly apologise, saying: “I forgot – I’m so sorry.”
Despite Tahmina’s initial confidence, her items struggled to make an impact as the auction commenced.
Tahmina’s brass crocodile sold for £7 less than expected, prompting her to exclaim, “Oh dear,” as the auctioneer concurred that it was “too cheap for £18.”
Unfortunately, her fortunes didn’t improve, as she quipped to David: “I did a lot of trash talking for someone who’s not doing very well today.”
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Antiques Road Trip welcomed newcomer Tahmina Ghaffar (Image: BBC)
After she incurred a £25 loss on her brass cauldron and a jelly mould that sold for a mere £10, Tahima remarked: “Oh dear, here we go again,” adding later: “Someone got a bargain.”
As the competition drew to a close, the newcomer’s anxiety grew, particularly when her fencing set suffered a substantial £53 loss. The week got off to a rocky start for the new antique expert, with an overall loss of £123.24.
In contrast, the less competitive expert impressed Tahmina with a £27.70 profit, setting the bar high. The current score stands at 1-0 in David’s favour, with four more opportunities for Tahmina to level the playing field.
All profits will be donated to Children in Need at the end of the week. The best-of-five series on Antiques Road Trip continues on One on Tuesday 4 at 4:30 pm.