BBC Bargain Hunt expert Kate Bliss faces fury from fans over 'huge show failure'

On a Bank Holiday special of Bargain Hunt, resident expert Kate Bliss caught some heat from viewers. She was critiqued for advising a contestant to 'put an antique down'.

The episode on May 14 played out over two picturesque Somerset locations, Shepton Mallet and Wells Cathedral, with wonderful Charlie Ross as the host. The Reds had the partnership of Colin Young, while Kate offered her wisdom to the Blues.

Disgruntled viewers noted that the Blue Team appeared to lack autonomy as Kate assumed control. Guiding neighbours Lyn and Surabhi in their selection of antiques, she seemed overly invested in directing their purchases instead of displaying curiosity in their personal interests.

Lyn's interest in a military camping bed was swiftly dismissed by Kate, who deemed the item uninteresting, reports the Mirror.

Even a potentially appealing trinket found by Lyn did not escape Kate's stern approach. As he returned the piece safely, she commented: "You've got very good taste. Just put it down carefully."

In the end, all items chosen were those suggested by Kate. These included a stylish £20 chrome art deco compact and cigarette case, lovely duck themed bookends from the art deco era priced at £55, and posh David Anderson Norwegian cufflinks valued at £135.

Coming down with the auctioneer's hammer, the Blues were over the moon with their purchase win, pocketing an impressive £69 profit. Nonetheless, eagle-eyed Bargain Hunt aficionados noticed the team's lack of input and did not shy away from airing their grievances on social media.

One disgruntled viewer took to Twitter typing: "Just give Kate, the money. Then, go for a coffee."

Another joined the conversation stating: "Kate rings the stall holders the night before asking what tat can't you sell and I'll buy it tomorrow".

Adding to the choir of frustrated fans, another remarked: "Kate making it up as she goes along again."

Another fan commented: "Kate really hates it if the teams try to buy something she doesn't like but 9 out of 10 times anything she picks loses money and the blue team have noooooo say in any of this". The entire episode was aptly summarised by a witty fan who quipped: "Kate doesn't need the team."

This observation saw nods of agreement. A viewer mused: "If I was with Kate I'd sit down with a brew and just leave her to it. Might as well," while another voiced his disappointment: "The Blue team has only spotted one thing, the camp bed which she put the kybosh on. Kate has 'spotted' everything else."

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