DAN Walker and Michaela Strachan hosted their new show Digging for Treasure tonight – with a loud crew who couldn’t resist clapping.
Viewers were introduced to metal detectorists, mudlarkers and marine archaeologists who made up the live audience and crew.
The first episode showed the team in a field in Allerton, North Yorkshire, with former BBC Breakfast star Dan, 4, hosting from inside a tent and Michaela, 56, out in the field helping to dig up artifacts from the soil.
Tonight featured a pre-recorded segment filmed off the coast of Cornwall with divers searching a ship wreck.
However the format baffled people watching at home who took to Twitter to say they felt short changed over the lack of explanation about each of the discoveries.
They also said they couldn’t understand the excitement coming from the tent.
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One sniped on Twitter: “I have always thought archaelogy programmes needed constant, pointless rounds of applause and wild whooping rather than detailed historical analysis.”
Another commented: “Nope. Would usually keep watching but trying to ‘whoop up’ finding historic items and not giving any background. Why are we now going to the sea?!”
And a third echoed: “What a confusing mess this programme is. Frantically jumping all over the place. Not explaining what’s been found ‘now’ and what was found previously. Trying to cram too many angles in too quickly. And stop the inane whooping.”
Whilst a fourth said: “If you’re finding #DiggingForTreasure as disappointing as we are then try the Time Team who are still going strong online – they are respectful to the diggers, informative, and don’t whoop inanely every time somebody walks into a tent.”
There were positive comments about the opening credits which included a CGI map of ancient England with castles and battlefields cropping up.
One fan compared it to Game Of Thrones, writing: “Love the GOT style opening titles.”
Another tweeted: “Really enjoying #DiggingForTreasure first episode but think it will be good. Bit like a new Time Team.”
Dan has teamed up with Michaela and Raksha Dave to present the programme that will be hosted from four different artefact-laden camps.
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Experts from the British Museum are on site to share the history of the area based on the finds of volunteers.
Viewers will see Saxon brooches, Roman daggers and hoards of coins.
