BBC Bargain Hunt host clarifies he's not to blame after team's huge loss at auction

In a recent episode of Bargain Hunt, BBC presenter Charlie Ross had to remind the red team that their lack of profit wasn't his fault.

The episode took viewers to Powys in Wales where best mates Chris and Fay teamed up with expert Kate Bliss to hunt for items that could bring them a profit at auction.

They chose an art deco travel clock and a hallmarked brooch, but spent most of their budget on a large fire surround. Before the auction, Charlie chatted with auctioneer Andy Stowe about the items.

After Charlie admitted he liked the fire surround, Andy responded: "I think it's fantastic. It's really good quality. It has that look that everybody's after."

He added, "The only problem is, it's a bit of a considered purchase. Nobody tends to buy a fire surround on a whim."

Agreeing that a buyer would need the right sized house for it, Charlie nodded.

Andy estimated the fire surround would fetch between £50 and £80, prompting Charlie to joke: "I mean, they went a bit overboard, I think. Now, this was their big spend, £135.", reports the Express.

The auctioneer expressed surprise at the price and suggested the team might struggle to recoup their investment.

Unfortunately, he was proven right when the fire surround went under the hammer and the bids fell short of the team's expectations. When Andy started the bidding at £50, there was no response.

Lowering the starting bid to £30, it sparked some interest, but the item only sold for £45.

Chris and Fay's faces fell as expert Kate showed clear disappointment for their sake.

Charlie Ross remarked, "Oh girls! " when one of them, disheartened, said his name with a gesture of dismay, he quickly retorted: "Well, don't say Charlie. I didn't buy it! ".

After absorbing the sting of a £90 loss, the pair saw a glimmer of hope when Kate's bonus buy turned a profit of £33.

However, as the episode wrapped up, Charlie announced that neither team had made a profit, meaning there was no cash prize to be claimed.

In the end, the red team ended with a total loss of £62 while the blue team was slightly better off, having lost £55.

Bargain Hunt is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.