KEMBAR78
BBC Antiques Roadshow tragedies from family heartbreak to tragic losses - The Mirror


Skip to main content
Daily Mirror

BBC Antiques Roadshow tragedies from family heartbreak to tragic losses

Antiques Roadshow has been a staple in many British homes since 1974, with millions tuning in to see the treasures people have

Antiques Roadshow has been a beloved fixture on the TV schedule drawing millions of viewers eager to discover the hidden gems people possess.


Spanning ceramics, jewellery, artwork and various collectables, the show has featured countless appraisers over the decades, with many becoming household names.


Whilst the programme showcases beloved items from throughout Britain, the stars of Antiques Roadshow typically remain out of the spotlight.


However, the show's star Fiona Bruce recently opened up, revealing details of an "embarrassing" discussion with her GP that spurred her to transform her habits and inspire others to follow suit, reports the Express.

The 61-year-old - mum to son Sam, 27, and daughter Mia, 23 - described a visit for a standard medical examination, where upon being questioned about her exercise routine, she informed the doctor: "None."


Chatting to Woman and Home, the presenter remembered: "I never did any exercise until I went to see a GP before or just after I had Sam."

Emphasising the doctor's astonishment, Fiona went on: "'Literally none?' I said 'no' and I was mortified because she was so appalled."

In the years since, Fiona has embraced exercise for the energy and stress relief it provides, as she added to the publication: "To me, exercise isn't about living longer, but it gives me energy, and I don't know what I'd be like without it."


Meanwhile, tragedy has also befallen the experts, including the programme's ceramics and glass specialist, Eric Knowles.

Eric, who has also celebrated 50 years on the programme, was left devastated in 2014 following the loss of his son, Sebastian, who was fatally injured whilst driving on the M40 in Buckinghamshire.


The 26-year-old, who was lovingly known as Seb, was a celebrated DJ but tragically died after his Mercedes crashed into a lorry at approximately 3.30 am, whilst the lorry driver escaped uninjured.

After the heartbreaking incident, Eric took compassionate leave and called off numerous planned appearances through his representative.

In 2012, viewers offered their sincere condolences after it emerged that Antiques Roadshow specialist Alice Gibson-Watt had passed away, just one month after giving birth to her first daughter, Chiara, with husband Anthony Gibson-Watt.


Whilst they were delighted to welcome their new arrival, the joy quickly transformed into anguish after Alice began battling mental health struggles and developed post-partum psychosis.

Following the arrival of emergency services and her subsequent admission to a psychiatric facility, Alice sadly passed away in hospital after experiencing a ruptured liver and internal haemorrhaging.


Earlier this year, the Antiques Roadshow family endured another blow when Michael Baggot died aged 65. The news was announced on the antique specialist's official social media accounts with a post confirming he died from a heart attack following a stroke.

"Heartbroken to share that Michael died yesterday in hospital of a heart attack following a stroke in October," the statement read. "He was a deeply loved son, brother, nephew, and uncle and will be profoundly missed. There will be a memorial service in the coming weeks, the details of which will be shared here."


Antiques Road Trip's Timothy Medhurst was amongst those paying tribute, writing: "Such a sad post to see, an oracle of knowledge - always happy to give a youngster in the business kind opinions on my (probably basic) questions without any hesitation."

Antiques Roadshow's Mark Hill has been inundated with messages of support from fans after revealing the death of his Formula One legend father, Roger.

The BBC star took to social media to share the news in a poignant tribute where he affectionately referred to his late father as "Pa".


Mark posted snaps of his dad standing next to a Formula One car, looking dapper in a smart suit and tie. He also shared a heartwarming photo of them enjoying a cuppa while his dad wore comfy slippers.

His caption read: "Pa. (1940-2025). Thank you. If you wish, donations to @racingdementia."

Article continues below

The charity Race Against Dementia was established in 2016 by Sir Jackie Stewart after his wife was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. The organisation aims to raise funds for innovative research into the devastating disease.

Antiques Roadshow airs on BBC One.

Follow Daily Mirror:



reach logo

At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the "Do Not Sell or Share my Data" button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.