PARTY time!

Antiques expert CHARLIE ROSS on throwing a spectacular shindig to celebrate Bargain Hunt's silver jubilee

- REBECCA FLETCHER

Dust off your golden gavels and grab a slice of cake, because antiques game show Bargain Hunt is marking its milestone 25th birthday on Thursday 13 March in style!

‘We’re throwing a street party and you’re all invited!’ grins regular host Charlie Ross, 74, who is at the helm of the special episode which will see him and his fellow presenters and experts enjoy a good old-fashioned knees-up with music and games as they toast a quarter-century of fascinating finds and spectacular sales.

While the Bargain Hunt team reminisce about their fondest memories, archive clips delve into the BBC1 daytime hit’s early days when it was hosted by David Dickinson, standout auctions, and overseas adventures – as well as more recent events, including a celebrity cheating scandal and secret marriage proposal.

The well-established format sees red and blue teams searching for three items to take to auction with the aim of making a profit. ‘It’s a wonderful, jolly programme and, after 25 years, it deserves this celebration,’ says Charlie, who joined the show as one of the main presenters in 2018.

Here, Charlie tells us more about what the anniversary extravaganza has in store…

Happy birthday, Bargain Hunt! Did you enjoy the street party?

It was such fun to film, although I’ve watched a few minutes and seen myself doing the most ridiculous dance. They’ll have me on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing next!

Hold that thought! How do you feel about being the ringmaster for the birthday episode?