‘Antiques Roadshow’ will return this summer.
The BBC hidden gems programme – which is fronted by Fiona Bruce – is to resume filming after the coronavirus pandemic halted production, but the programme will be shot on a closed set for the first time in four decades and only feature a small audience to ensure the safety of guests, the crew, and the public.
Fiona – who will be shooting her 13th series of the show – said in a statement: "Normally we welcome around 5,000 people to each ‘Antiques Roadshow’, but of course in these extraordinary times we will have to do things very differently. "We’ve come up with a new way to safely film the show yet still bring you amazing items and stories. I can’t wait to see what treasures you have hidden in your homes."
Participants are asked to book an appointment online and fill out a form giving a detailed description of their item they want valued by the trusted experts.
It was revealed in March the show was postponing filming throughout the summer months due to the global health crisis.
In a statement shared to the official Antiques Roadshow Twitter account, they wrote: "The safety of our staff and our audiences is something we take very seriously. In light of the Government’s recent advice on Covid-19 and in consultation with our venue partners, Antiques Roadshow has decided to postpone filming days at Forty Hall (17 May), Windermere Jetty Museum (9 June), Stonor Park (23 June), Bodnant Garden (30 June) and Culzean Castle (12 July).
"At this point, we plan to go ahead with filming at Christchurch Mansion (26 July), Newby Hall (31 July) and Coventry Cathedral (8 September), but as this is a rapidly evolving situation we will review on an ongoing basis. (sic)"
Now, BBC bosses have confirmed the venues chosen for the special versions of the show are Forty Hall in Enfield, Windermere Jetty in Cumbria, Stonor Park in Oxfordshire, Bodnant Garden in Colwyn Bay, Culzean Castle in Ayrshire, Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich, Newby Hall in Yorkshire and Kenilworth in Warwickshire.