Viewers of Antiques Roadshow were left in shock during the latest episode as they spotted a familiar face among the guests. Broadcasting from Derbyshire, BBC host Fiona Bruce, alongside a team of experts, discovered treasures from all across Britain.
Yet, it was one guest who particularly caught viewers' attention; fans were convinced she bore an uncanny resemblance to a celebrity. Renowned expert Frances Christie, well-versed in modern British art, couldn't hide her elation upon seeing two exquisite boat paintings brought onto the programme by Richard Euricha beloved artist in her eyes.
But it wasn't just the expert enamoured by the artworksthe audience was buzzing with speculation over the paintings' owner, questioning whether it was indeed actress Isobel Middleton, famed for her roles in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Menace, and Cracker. Isobel is also renowned for being the spouse of soap opera veterans Jane Hazlegrove of former Casualty and Coronation Street fame since 2015.
The painting's valuation left everyone astounded, with Frances Christie appraising one piece at £10,000 to £15,000, and the other even higher, at £15,000 to £20,000.
As the history of the artworks unfurled, the guest shared: "My great aunt and her husband were early friends and patrons of Richards and they bought these early on in his career to support him.", reports Birmingham Live.
The revelation of their worth left the guest stunned: "I really am genuinely gobsmacked by that."
Concluding with care and future plans for the treasured artworks, the guest reflected: "I will treat them with care. I'd quite like them to end up in a gallery where everyone can enjoy them but I might hang on to them for a little while first."
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Curious viewers flocked to X, previously known as Twitter, to voice their thoughts. Louise inquired, "Is the lady with the boat paintings an actress? " Lynne resonated with the sentiment, commenting, "Isn't she an actress? I'm sure it's Bernie from Corrie's wife in real life! " and followed up with the assertion "I think it's Isobel Middleton.. She's been in a few things.. most recently Emmerdale I think."
Meanwhile, @BertaW tweeted her perplexity: "Who is she? She looks so familiar?"
Antiques Roadshow airs Sundays at 8pm on BBC1.
