Bargain Hunt expert 'replaced' on BBC after 'clash'

BBC Radio Scotland's regular host, Natasha Raskin Sharp, unexpectedly missed her show following a recent schedule clash. Informing fans about her absence on August 23 last week, the Bargain Hunt star took to Instagram to disclose why she was absent from her radio slot before revealing her stand-in.

The antiques expert, who recently welcomed baby Jean in January with her husband Joe Sharp, a producer of Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, made the announcement on the social media platform.

She posted a snap taken on the set of the popular game show Bargain Hunt, where she was pictured with co-star Gary Pe and two of the gameshow's competitors.

Her absence was down to filming Bargain Hunt at the same time as her radio slot as they geared up for the production of new show episodes.

Addressing her twenty thousand Instagram followers, Natasha said: "A spot of @BBCBargainHunt-ing clashed with my weekly @BBCRadioScot show last night...but @ravirajsagoo stepped up to the plate and smashed it, as always. Check out the show on @BBCSounds - excellent playlist...thanks, Ravi! X", reports the Express.

BBC presenter Ravi Sagoo filled in for her during the radio show, which is typically broadcast on Thursdays from 10pm to 2pm.

Fans swarmed the comments section, with one asking: "When are the new episodes airing? Fed up of old repeats!" Another adding: "Lovely to see you back on Bargain Hunt." A third chiming in: "Will look forward to watching the episodes when they're aired. My lunchtime viewing."

The renowned antiquarian and Bargain Hunt host has become a prominent public figure in recent years. The Scottish presenter, after completing her History of Art studies at the University of Glasgow, found her way into the world of antiques.

She climbed the ranks to become Head of Pictures at McTear's auction house in Glasgow before making a name for herself as a television presenter.

Opening up about her career path, she shared: "I was gently nudged in the direction of the antiques trade and auction houses by my dad, who thought that I'd be well-suited to the environment."

Despite not being keen at first, she acknowledged: "Although I'd never normally admit it, he was absolutely right." Originally, the art enthusiast had envisioned joining her father in the catering industry.

Expanding on her early ambitions, she said: "My plan was always to follow in my parents' footsteps and open a restaurant."

She also hinted at future aspirations: "If I'm honest, I'm not ruling it out as a sideline... there's nothing quite like catering to keep you on your toes."

Bargain Hunt airs weekdays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer