SALVAGE Hunters star Drew Pritchard has lifted the lid on the show’s behind-the-scenes secrets.
Launching in 2011, the programme follows Drew, a decorative salvage dealer, as he searches for and buys antiques to re-sell.
He visits locations such as shops, mansions and fairs hoping to find incredible pieces to take away.
In some cases, the broadcast episode creates the illusion of a fast turnaround.
However, while peaking exclusively to The Sun Online, Drew revealed he could be with a contributor for eight or nine hours.
Explaining that he wants to be “absolutely fresh” to what’s on offer, the star added: “When you see me meet the people, that’s the first time I’m meeting them.
“I’m not an actor and I’m not a presenter. We might be there a few hours before we actually find something.
“But usually – if it’s a dealer, I’ll find something soon. I’m very attuned to that environment. I can spot something straight away.”
Although Drew mentioned he once bought something “in the first minute”, this is not always the case.
He explained: “Sometimes I was digging through barns or warehouses or attics or sheds to find something.”
Series 18 also sees a major change for the show, with the departure of Drew’s longtime travel companion John Tee (aka ‘T’).
T’s exit from the show was announced last year, having frequently appeared in episodes to drive the van and also helped move purchased items.
Drew said: “He just wanted to spend more time at home. And, you know, with a young family, he’s very happy.
“We were sad to see him go. But it was everything that he wanted. So yeah, we’re very happy for him.”
Joining Drew in the new series are fellow dealers Alister Dryburgh and Viki Knott, who will each accompany him on location.
Discussing the new additions, he said: “We all have different tastes. We all have different customers. We all have different markets.
“So we understand and appreciate what each other’s doing.
“But, you know, Viki is buying for her market in Edinburgh. Alister is buying for his regulars.
“My market is very much interior decorators, collectors and other dealers. I sell a lot to other dealers.
“So sort of up the chain, basically. So we all have different, different tastes and different eyes.”
Salvage Hunters airs on Quest.
