'I went on Bargain Hunt for a laugh and my expert showed true colours immediately'

A former guest who appeared on Bargain Hunt five years ago has shared her experience. Alicia Humphreys appeared on Season 53, Episode 26 of the long-running BBC antiques programme. Speaking exclusively with Express Online, she revealed what led her to sign up for the show and her thoughts on the overall experience. She also opened up about working with her expert and whether she would go back and change anything if she had a second go. Bargain Hunt has been on our TV screens since 2000 and was originally hosted by David Dickinson. This year, it recently celebrated its 25th anniversary since its first episode aired.

Alicia said: "I was working my way through a list of things I wanted to do before I turned 30 and going on TV was on that list. I was talking to my father-in-law about it, and after some discussion, we decided to apply for Bargain Hunt together as a laugh."

When quizzed about whether the producers gave her and her father-in-law any strict rules, she replied: "Not that I can remember... no swearing, of course, but really you're filmed all day, so anything they don't like they can cut out."

Speaking about what surprised her the most, Alicia confessed: "How much fun it was! Obviously, I'd watched it on TV before, so knew what I was getting myself into, but the crew were all so lovely, the experts were so friendly, and our competitors were great! In fact, we still have them on social media and keep in touch!"

But what about her antiques expert? Alicia revealed all, saying: "Hilarious, friendly, and so nice to be around! We had Gary Pe, and we had the best time with him."

Alicia's episode, which originally aired in 2019 and was filmed in Grantham, focused on vintage and collectible cars, and the teams were assisted by experts Nick Hall and Gary Pe.

Alicia and her father-in-law were on the red team, and she said she's absolutely going to do Bargain Hunt again, but shared what she would do differently. She explained: "Maybe pick some higher quality items?! Ha! No, I honestly don't think I would have. It was great fun from start to finish and I'd absolutely do it again!"

Bargain Hunt can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.