BBC Antiques Road Trip expert furiously storms off set after 'sabotage' jibe

BBC's Antiques Road Trip saw a dramatic moment when expert Mark Stacey was left fuming after the team's car broke down and he accused the show of trying to 'sabotage' him

An episode of Antiques Road Trip took an unexpected turn after presenter Mark Stacey became infuriated and walked off during filming. In the recently aired instalment, BBC expert Stacey was accompanied by Catherine Southon on a Scottish escapade that went south rapidly as their car broke down.

Stacey's temper flared, accusing the production of 'sabotage' before leaving Catherine stranded with the vehicle. The 2017 episode unfolded with narrator Tim Wonnacott stating: "Mark and Catherine are heading 62 miles North West to the small town of Kilbirnie in North Ayrshire, but things aren't going quite to plan."

Catherine was seen distressed, exclaiming: "I just don't know. I really don't know."

To which Mark responded with pronounced sarcasm, "Well, thank you very much Catherine."

Catherine insisted: "Oh look, it's not my fault. I don't know what's happened.", reports the Mirror.

Mark retorted, "No, no, listen. You're a saboteur. I've now got to struggle up to my shop."

Unamused, she countered: "Mark, it's 300 yards. It's not far. It's hardly a struggle."

Mark then sniped back: "Catherine, Catherine, this is just the beginning of the week. I'm going to remember this."

And amid the friction, he left Catherine shouting after him: "So you're just going to leave me and abandon me in the middle of nowhere with this car? ".

Tim narrated: "Oh crikey. With a full day of shopping ahead of him, Mark's having to hot foot it up to the working farm which houses stirrup cup antiques. While poor Catherine's left to sort out the engine."

This isn't the first time the show has seen awkward moments, as another recent rerun had viewers squirming when a guest felt his mystery item was undervalued. The incident occurred at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, where BBC expert Gordon Foster was captivated by an unusual item presented to him.

Gordon exclaimed: "I love it on the Antiques Roadshow when you get a mystery object and you've brought along a silver box! " He explained that spectators had various guesses about its use - from a lady's makeup container to a custom-made caviar carrier. The owner then disclosed that the box was a live fly holder for angling, adding he was extremely pleased with it as it was a gift from his wife for their 17th anniversary.

He revealed that the piece was made of solid silver and crafted by the renowned Asprey of London, but confessed not using it for its intended purpose due to fragility concerns. Recognising the rarity of the item, Gordon remembered he had seen just one similar piece in his career, adding that the silver content, coupled with the Art Deco design and prestigious Asprey name, indicated the item could be valuable.

Gordon appraised the article at a value between £2,000 and £3,000, prompting an enthusiastic response from the guest who exclaimed: "Wow, wow, that's amazing! " However, the mood took a turn when the gentleman noted: "I think she paid £4,000...", suggesting the item might have been undervalued. This comment elicited laughter between the two, although it was not immediately apparent if the remark was made in jest.