Bargain Hunt's dramatic moments off-screen exposed by host from break-ups to births

Bargain Hunt has seen its fair share of personal drama, including a marriage proposal, break-ups, and even births, according to one of the show's presenters.

Since its inception in 2000, the BBC programme has been helmed by a variety of hosts. Each instalment features the hosts guiding two teams of contestants who aim to turn a profit at auction from their antique finds.

Currently, the presenting team includes Natasha Raskin Sharp, who divulged some behind-the-scenes tidbits in a book. Her insights are featured in Karen Farrington's Bargain Hunt: The Spotters Guide To Antiques, which hit the shelves in 2022.

This week, her comments have sparked interest. In her foreword for the book, Natasha touched on the "broad appeal" of the enduring series, once led by personalities like David Dickinson and Tim Wonnacott. She hinted that during the extensive filming days for each episode, anything could happen, reports the Mirror.

She commented: "Maybe it's the very real drama that can unfold. You see, the 45 minutes shown on television represent several days of filming. First, there's the 'buy day', then there's the 'auctioneer chat' and, finally, the auction itself."

Natasha elaborated in the book's foreword: "A lot can happen in that time: there's been one marriage proposal, a handful of breakups and even a few births between the antiques fair and the auction ... you just never know exactly how an episode is going to play out."

In 2018, the programme witnessed its first-ever on-air proposal when contestant Tony Chambers surprised his partner Alison Cook during filming at Derbyshire's Kedleston Hall.

Tony revealed: "I thought doing it on Bargain Hunt would be a brilliant way of capturing it for ever. I worked closely with the production team to make sure everything was in place. This was a one-off opportunity that no one has ever done, and, quite possibly, won't ever do again. It was a really unique moment."

Alison, who said yes to the proposal, quipped: "I had a game plan but it was nothing to do with getting engaged on national TV. My plan was to win Bargain Hunt."

She joked prior to the episode's airing: "I was definitely the winner."

The popular antiques show was initially presented by David before Tim took over as host from 2003 to 2016. The programme then underwent a format change, adopting a rotating presenter lineup featuring Natasha and others, moving away from a single main host.

Natasha reflected on assuming hosting duties in the book's foreword, stating that she and her fellow presenters did so "with a great sense of responsibility" eight years ago.

Bargain Hunt is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.