BBC Bargain Hunt fans demand 'sacking' after off-camera issue nearly ruins team's chances

BBC Bargain Hunt viewers have called for a 'sacking' after an off-camera incident nearly ruined one team's chances. Fans expressed their annoyance when a valuable item was damaged in transit during a recent episode.

Performing friends Ivor and Joe teamed up for the latest episode of the popular BBC show, expressing delight at their finds at a Lincolnshire antiques centre, which included a charming Old English Sheepdog sculpture. During their frantic hour-long search for treasures, the duo confessed their affection for the dog figurine, their most expensive purchase at exactly £75 after some negotiation.

Expert Catherine Southon speculated they could potentially turn a profit if they found the right buyer. However, just as the item was about to be auctioned, host Eric Knowles revealed some unfortunate news. He informed the teammates: "Next up is your Beswick dog. Actually, the issue is the fact that the tongue on your dog has taken a little bit of a chip."

Eric explained to the disheartened pair that "something happened in transit" resulting in the damage. The item had been valued pre-damage between £40 and £60, reports the Express.

"In a situation like this, the auctioneer has done his research and it's been agreed that despite what you paid the minimum you will get will be £60. If it makes more, then you will get more."

Unsurprisingly, the damaged antique didn't attract much interest at auction; a bidder was eventually willing to part with just £12. Twitter exploded after the episode aired with fans airing their frustrations about how objects are treated once filming has concluded.

Disgruntled viewers were quick to share their thoughts on the blunder, with some scrutinising the care of items during transport and others suggesting that the transport handlers should be "sacked".

One viewer vented: "Another broken in transit. Who on earth do they get to carry the goods? ".

Another fan voiced their indignation, remarking: "Once again, an item was damaged in transit. Don't they know about bubble wrap? ".

A third waded in, exclaiming, "Bargain Hunt needs to hire more reliable people to transport the items. It's the second time this week that an item has been broken! ".

Not all viewers were negative, however, with some managing to see the silver lining. Despite the state of wrack and ruin the item arrived in, the participating team still managed to scrape a tiny £2 profit, covering their journey home expense.