BBC's Bargain Hunt: A Look Back at the Show's Most Shocking Moments

Controversy Behind the Scenes

For over two decades, BBC’s Bargain Hunt has entertained viewers with the excitement of antique hunting. However, behind the scenes, the show has faced its fair share of drama and controversy. From assault charges to cheating scandals, let's delve into some of the most shocking moments in Bargain Hunt history.

Charles Hanson's Legal Battle

One of Bargain Hunt's familiar faces, Charles Hanson, faced a legal battle in 2023 when he was accused of coercively controlling and physically assaulting his wife over a decade. Despite the serious allegations, Charles was found not guilty of all charges, describing the experience as tormentuous.

Tim Wonnacott's Abrupt Exit

After 12 years as a host, Tim Wonnacott's time on Bargain Hunt came to an abrupt end in 2015 amid bullying claims. Following complaints from BBC Bristol staff, Tim was suspended and ultimately left the show. While the details remained undisclosed, the BBC confirmed a new direction for the program.

Cheating Scandal with Bez

In a celebrity special in 2018, Happy Mondays' Bez found himself in hot water after his girlfriend was caught secretly bidding on their items, inflating prices. Disqualified for cheating, Bez's team had to reshoot the ending, with Pulp declared the rightful winners. The scandal even made it onto Gogglebox, shocking viewers.

The Biggest Bargain Hunt Loss

Not all contestants leave Bargain Hunt with a profit. The show's biggest financial blunder occurred when Tim Weeks and his team spent £60 on a vintage ice cream fridge that failed to attract any bids at auction. With a 100 percent loss, the team learned a costly lesson in the world of antiques.