The Travelling Auctioneers guest missing from auction as artwork sells for small fortune

The Travelling Auctioneers: Man speaks of life-altering diagnosis

A Travelling Auctioneers guest was unable to film the final auction scenes due to a health scare, but there was "good news" in store.

Auctioneer Izzie Balmer and restoration expert Robin Johnson journeyed to Aberdeenshire to meet with Nina and Norman, who were prepared to part with some cherished antiques.

Nina had moved into her late mother Maggie's home to care for Norman, her mum's partner of 25 years.

The love story between Maggie and Norman began when they attended university together in the 1960s at an art school in York, and they "never lost contact."

Tragically, Maggie's husband Barry passed away when Nina was just 13, and Norman's wife Lottie died several years later.

"Maggie helped me quite a lot after the death of my wife. We saw a bit more of each other, and then slowly, over the months, it grew", Norman revealed.

The Travelling Auctioneers star amazed as treasured art makes four-figure sale after health scare (Image: BBC)

The Travelling Auctioneers: Norman was Nina's mum's partner for 25 years after initially meeting at university in the 1960s. (Image: BBC)

The proceeds from selling various pieces of Maggie's antiques would be used to renovate the house that Nina and Norman now lived in.

On the day of the auction, narrator Christina Trevanion disclosed that Nina would be attending the auction alone, stating: "Unfortunately, Norman isn't well enough to be here today. However, Nina has made the 53-mile journey to say farewell to her mother's belongings."

Nina elaborated on Norman's condition during a chat with Robin: "He had a mild heart attack. He's OK, he's on the road to recovery."

To which Robin responded: "Well, hopefully, after today, you can go back and give him the good news of all the money that's been raised."

The auction was in full swing, with a treasure trove of items fetching handsome sums, but it was Norman's cherished painting by Canadian artist John Little that truly sparked a frenzy.

The Travelling Auctioneers: Norman's John Little painting sold for a whopping £9,000 at auction. (Image: BBC) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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As the bidding for Norman's beloved artwork commenced, Izzie announced: "Now this was Norman's pride and joy, and he loved this."

She disclosed that the opening bid stood at £380, aiming for a modest £400, yet a fierce duel erupted between two Canadian enthusiastsone on the line and another online.

The price soared until finally, the online bidder triumphed, securing the piece for an eye-watering £9,000.

Beaming with joy, Nina couldn't help but exclaim: "Amazing", as she, Robin, and the rest of the attendees burst into applause.

Izzie queried: "Do you think Norman will be pleased with that?" to which Nina confidently responded, "He will be very pleased. Thank you, Izzie."

In a heartwarming conclusion, Izzie and Robin later unveiled that the total profit from Nina and Norman's collection amounted to a staggering £10,707.

Overjoyed, Nina remarked: "That's really good. I'm delighted. I'll go give Norman the good news."

The Travelling Auctioneers continues weekdays at 4.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

The Travelling Auctioneers guest missing from auction as artwork sells for small fortune

The Travelling Auctioneers guest missing from auction as artwork sells for small fortune

The Travelling Auctioneers guest missing from auction as artwork sells for small fortune

The Travelling Auctioneers guest missing from auction as artwork sells for small fortune

The Travelling Auctioneers guest missing from auction as artwork sells for small fortune