BBC Antiques Roadshow fans fume as 'missing' key element from show

Antiques Roadshow enthusiasts were left disgruntled this evening as the programme deviated from its traditional format, omitting a much-loved feature.

The latest BBC episode sparked a wave of discontent on Twitter as it eschewed the typical antique valuations in favour of spotlighting the history of British nursing. While host Fiona Bruce's tribute to the valor and commitment of nurses was well-received by some, many viewers were left yearning for the familiar appraisal segments.

A number of fans expressed their bewilderment and annoyance at the absence of antique evaluations. One viewer lamented, "No valuations...oh come on, that's not fair, nursing or not! " while another questioned, "#AntiquesRoadshow Great subject, amazing women and stories but has it got anything to do with antiques? ".

Another viewer remarked with irony, "Remember when #AntiquesRoadshow was an antiques programme and #countryfile was about the countryside? Heady days," and yet another stated bluntly, "I only want to see old s*** getting valued thanks very much #antiquesroadshow."

Despite the deviation from the expected Bank Holiday programming causing some disappointment, the episode did provide poignant moments. Among them was a man's presentation of an old photograph of Edith Cavell, a courageous wartime nurse who was executed by firing squad during World War I by the Germans for her role in helping injured soldiers, reports the Mirror.

On the American edition of the programme, a guest was taken aback by the valuation of a Halloween decoration he had snapped up for just £8 more than twenty years earlier. The item in question was a devil ornament painted in vibrant red and orange hues, which had become part of his annual Halloween decor.

Recounting his find, the guest explained: "About 25 years ago, I went to a historical society sale where people donated items to keep the historical society going. And I collected Halloween [items] and I walked in and he was sitting on the floor and I purchased him. He cost a whole $10 [£8]. I inquired about who made it and it was a local gentleman who worked in a factory and supposedly it was like [in] around 1920 or 1930."

Nancy Druckman, an expert in American folk art, commented on the piece: "This is the epitome of American folk art. Here's a guy who was probably a millworker along the Monongahela River. I think the date is correct for it, because we're sort of in the era of Prohibition and the big temperance movement. So devils are out there and they're warning you about the evils of drink."