Bargain Hunt favourite airbrushed from anniversary | UK News

Tim Wonnacott, the bow tie-clad host of Bargain Hunt, led the BBC show for 12 years however has been conspicuously absent from a celebration of the programme, receiving solely 20 seconds of airtime in a 45-minute TV particular commemorating the show’s silver jubilee subsequent month.

The 73 yr previous was on the helm of the antiques recreation show from 2003 to 2015, succeeding the flamboyant David Dickinson. He was a hit with viewers and took part in Strictly Come Dancing, in addition to making appearances on Top Gear and Ready, Steady, Cook.

Fans had been shocked when he abruptly left Bargain Hunt “for personal reasons”.

TV executives said that the show was “moving in a new direction” with antiques experts taking on the role as hosts instead.

A statement read: “We wish to thank Tim Wonnacott for his dedication to Bargain Hunt over the past twelve-years and for the great experience that he has dropped at the show in that time. Bargain Hunt might be shifting in a new direction subsequent yr utilising a group of specialists who current a quantity of exhibits every. Tim continues to work with the BBC on Antiques Road Trip.”

Following his abrupt exit, rumours swirled that a clash with producers and alleged grievances from BBC Bristol staff were the reasons behind his departure.

At the time, he simply stated: “I’m happy to have been half of Bargain Hunt for therefore a few years and have totally loved each one of my, roughly, 1,200 programmes searching out bargains with the contestants. Alongside persevering with to voice Antiques Road Trip for the BBC, I stay up for developing new programme concepts,” studies the Mirror.

The BBC is set to air 25 Years Of Bargain Hunt next month, featuring familiar faces such as Anita Manning, Philip Serrell, Kate Bliss, Danny Sebastian and Thomas Forrester reminiscing about their top finds and cherished moments from the show’s history.

However, despite his 12-year stint on the show, one television insider claimed that Tim “barely will get a look-in”, receiving a mere 20 seconds of screen time in clips shown during the 45-minute tribute.

During this brief appearance, antiques expert Thomas Forrester pays homage to his friend, crediting him for ”introducing the dickie bow” and his ”wonderful smile”. He additional praises him saying: “He was an expert… and this was without the internet. As a young man I learned so much from him.”

The affable host of the anniversary particular, Charlie Ross, offers a nod to Tim for pioneering the long-lasting Bargain Hunt “high kick” that has change into a signature finale transfer for contestants and specialists alike.

Showing clips of Tim because the debutant of the high-flying leg manoeuvre earlier than slicing to scenes of individuals adopting the gesture as a common show-closing gimmick, Charlie informs the viewers: “It started with Tim Wonnacott!”

Catch 25 Years of Bargain Hunt on BBC1 on Thursday, March 13