We were on Bargain Hunt – here’s how much time we really had to find a deal and the problems that slowed us down

BARGAIN Hunt contestants have revealed how much time they’re really given on the hit BBC show in a behind-the-scenes reveal.

The beloved show sees two teams of amateur collectors face off to secure the best profits at auction.

BBC

BBC

BBC Studios/Tim Holt

Beeb viewers at home watch as the under-pressure contestants rush to find valuable items.

But now two Bargain Hunt stars have revealed exactly how long they get to snap up the antiques – and the problems they face.

Taking to web forum Reddit, the boyfriend and girlfriend duo said: “We had an hour that a runner has a stop watch to keep track of.

“Time was paused for retakes and interactions with the crew.

“Bartering actually happened but a lot of time was the crew interacting with vendors that did or did not want to be on camera.

“Some of them didn’t want their stuff on camera too so we couldn’t buy it.”

The contestants went on to reveal that BBC bosses provide lunch for them during filming.

However, producers ban teams from buying items that clearly show a brand as they’re not allowed on screens.

“There’s a big list of what we couldn’t buy for legal reasons or offensive reasons.

“Disney, brands, taxidermy, guns etc. Other than that anything goes. We won but with the lowest loss,” added the hopeful.

Meanwhile, last month Bargain Hunt got a huge shake-up for the first time in its 24-year history.

On Friday, June 14, animals and antiques came together for a ‘Barking Hunt’ event, which celebrated the RSPCA’s 200th anniversary.

Bargain Hunt presenters

First airing on BBC One in 2000, Bargain Hunt sees two pairs of contestants tasked with buying antiques from a shop or fair and then try to make a profit at auction. With David Dickinson and Tim Wonnacott among the show's alumni, let's take a look at the current presenters.

• Christina Trevanion: Aside from presenting, Christina is also an auctioneer and a partner in the firm of Trevanion & Dean in Shropshire. Her other TV appearances include Antiques Road Trip, Flog It! and The Travelling Auctioneers.
• Eric Knowles: An antiquarian with a primary focus in ceramics and glass, Eric has also appeared on Antiques Roadshow, Noel’s House Party, Call My Bluff and Going, Going Gone.
• Natasha Raskin Sharp: Daughter of artist Philip Raskin, Natasha is an antiques and art expert, especially Scottish contemporary art. She has also featured in Antiques Road Trip, Flog It! and For What It’s Worth, among others.
• Charlie Ross: An antiques expert and auctioneer, Charlie’s career dates back to 1963 by joining a local firm of estate agents after leaving school, later progressing to antique furniture. He has also popped up on shows such as Flog It!, Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is and Antiques Road Trip.
• Caroline Hawley: Away from the Bargain Hunt cameras, Caroline also runs a successful antiques business in Yorkshire.
• Danny Sebastian: Having joined Bargain Hunt as an expert in 2017, Danny became part of the presenting team in 2022.
• Roo Irvine: Initially signing up for the show as an antiques expert, Roo later became a main presenter for Bargain Hunt. She’s also appeared in Antiques Road Trip and Flipping Profit.