BBC Bargain Hunt fans demand 'sacking' after off-camera issue

Bargain Hunt fans have complained about a behind the scenes issue that almost ruined one team's chances.

Performing friends Ivor and Joe worked together for the latest instalment of the BBC programme and were happy after finding their items at an antiques centre in Lincolnshire. This included a charming sculpture of an Old English Sheepdog.

The men said during their one hour scramble to find their valuables that they "loved" the dog. It was their big spend item costing exactly £75 after some haggling and expert Catherine Southon believed they'd potentially make some profit if they found the right owner.

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Host Eric Knowles broke the news just as the piece was about to go under the hammer. He told 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 told the disheartened pair that "something happened in transit" which resulted in the damage. It was valued pre-damage at somewhere between £40 and £60.

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

As expected, the item tanked at auction with someone was eventually willing to pay £12 for the damaged product. Fans of the show reacted on X (Twitter) to complain about what happens to items once the cameras stop rolling.

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

Another said: "Once again, an item was damaged in transit. Don't they know about bubble wrap?"

A third commented: "Bargain Hunt need to hire more reliable people to transit the items. It’s the second time this week that one has been broken!"

A fourth fan claimed: "The transit people need sacking! There’s a breakage every other week!"

Despite the setback of the banged up item, Ivor and Joe managed to scrape the win with a £2 profit. Joe joked that their "bus fare home" was sorted as Eric handed them two coins.

Bargain Hunt airs weekdays at 12.15pm on BBC One. Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here