Russell Grant Cash in the Celebrity Attic

Welcome to Cash In The Celebrity Attic, the programme that loves to hunt around homes of the well-known

looking for things that they can take to auction to raise money

so that they can make a donation to the favourite charity.

Today, I'm about to meet a television personality who's also an internationally-known astrologer.

He began his career as an actor, appearing in television sitcoms like

Doctor In The House and On The Buses.

He made his name in the '80s, appearing on breakfast television

wearing outrageous sweaters and casting horoscopes.

According to his star sign, which is Aquarius, he's strong and eccentric.

I tell you, he's certainly larger than life.

Have you worked out who it is yet?

Today, I'm in North Wales on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park,

where I'm about to meet the zodiac guru Russell Grant.

It was in the 1970s, whilst Russell Grant was establishing himself as an actor,

that the opportunity arose to read the stars for the Queen Mother.

It turned what until then had been a hobby

into a highly successful career, as Russell was instantly hot property, and soon became a household name.

To this day, he remains one of the country's best-loved astrologers.

Coming up on Cash In The Celebrity Attic,

an outrageous piece of German pottery resonates with our flamboyant host.

It's too big. It's a heavy piece, it's large, a handful.

All of those things could apply to me.

And the mystic powers are at work as we search Russell's enchanting home.

I know you all think I'm bonkers,

but there is something in it and that's why I believe in it.

-But will all the excitement prove too much for Russell?

-I have never been so exhausted in all me life.

Find out when the final hammer falls.

It may be a cloudy day here in the northwestern corner of Wales, but with our expert John Cameron's help,

I have no doubt that we're going to find items that will shine brightly at auction.

Russell may have called upon the stars for some good fortune today,

but he's also enlisted the help of his great friend Charlotte, who also dabbles in antiques.

-Russell, Charlotte.

-Angela.

-Hello, darling.

-How are you, darling?

What a lovely view, and this house is fantastic! How long have you lived here?

Oh, goodness me, must be well over ten years now, because...

No, not well over ten years, in fact it was my millennium gift to myself.

I knew that with the millennium,

new start, fresh feeling, wanted all the things that went with my job, my astrological vibes,

and I thought, "Got to move," and that's when I came up here.

-So, Charlotte, how do you two know each other?

-We met about ten years ago.

It was to do with antiques,

actually, wasn't it, Russell? Cos we both like antiques.

Terrific. Let's establish why you've called in Cash In The Attic.

One of my passions is to support the Alzheimer's Society,

and I thought to myself, "You know, there's a lot of stuff here

"that I could do with getting shot of, so that it actually goes to a really good cause."

The Alzheimer's Society

is why I've called you in with your fabulous Libran eye.

Well, with my Libran eye, and your Aquarius eye, if we

look in the crystal ball, how much are we going to raise, do you think?

Tell you what. Let's do a bit of feng shui on this.

£440, four and four makes eight,

and eight is a very lucky number in feng shui, so 440 quid-ish.

We don't need the crystal ball, what we actually need is John Cameron,

and fortunately, I brought him with me.

He'll look at all the bits and pieces that you would like to auction,

and give us an idea of how much we think we might make.

-Shall we go and see what he's come up with?

-Definitely. He's a good man.

-Follow me.

-Right.

Well, £440 must surely be our most surreal target ever on the show.

A figure that, all being well, will bring us a good vibes in the feng shui stakes,

and, amongst Russell's shelves and cupboards, we will hopefully find enough antiques to meet it.

-Hi, John.

-Hello, John.

-That's a bit of a handful there!

It is rather heavy.

It's a large piece! I'm surprised to see something as big as that,

because most of the porcelain in the house is tiny, Russell.

Yes, and that's why it's got to go. It's too big, it's a heavy piece, it's large, a handful.

All of those things could apply to me.

However, I saw this and thought, "This is so beautiful."

I love beautiful things, elegant things, and I thought it had all of those going for it.

-Where did you get it?

-I saw it down in Dolgellau,

the county town of Merioneth, the county we're in,

and I looked at it through the window and I thought to myself, "I really, really do like that."

-It's a terrific piece, isn't it?

-It is.

It's German, probably Dresden, and very much in the style

of Meissen right in the middle of the 18th century. The figure group,

the whole composition, is often referred to as Watteau-esque,

after the great French rococo artist Jean-Antoine Watteau.

And when you look at them, with their powdered wigs and breeches,

they look rather splendid, don't they?

Originally, these were table decorations,

the first of which were made of sugar, and then eaten as a kind of sweet for the dessert.

They started to make them in porcelain, and became known as Kleinplastik.

Well, this is in pretty good condition, actually, isn't it?

If we are going to take this to auction, how much do think we might get for it?

Well, as impressive as it is, things like this have seen more popular times.

Nevertheless, it's still wonderful, a lot of work has gone into this.

I'd like to think we're looking at around £250 to £350.

Well, would you believe,

the target today is £440.

-Certainly put a dent in it.

-CERTAINLY made a dent in it.

But let's have a look around this wonderful house and see what else we can find, John.

-Shall we go?

-Yeah.

What an amazing start, the planets must be aligned in our favour today.

Besides being a world-renowned astrologer, Russell is also quite the collector.

He's been known to visit an antique auction house or two,

and I've come across one antique-fair purchase of his, this ornate floral mantel clock.

It's made by Royal Winton, which has been crafting clocks for the last 100 years.

John thinks someone will want to take this home for £50 to £75.

Meanwhile, Charlotte's used her previous knowledge about antiques to suss out another porcelain set

that she thinks might be perfect for auction.

John, what do you think of these dogs?

Rather charming, I do like the characters of the dogs.

-Where do they come from?

-Russell bought them about five years ago, he paid about £20 for the three.

-That wasn't a bad price. You know they're SylvaC?

-Yeah.

Well, the actual company was started back in the 19th century,

around the 1860s, 1870s, by William Copestake and William Shaw,

taking the name of SylvaC later into the 20th century.

I think they are most associated with this range of animals,

the bunnies, the jardinieres, the little pixies,

a whole range of different small ornaments in these rather muted colours -

the beiges, the greens, the turquoises, the lilacs, things like that.

And these are known as Mac dogs,

and I believe they were designed by Otakar Steinberger,

and they've remained popular ever since.

So what does Russell go for? Has he an eclectic taste?

He goes for anything and everything.

Well, they're good for auction.

I'd put the estimate at about £30 to £40, something like that.

-I think so, yeah.

-Well, they are charming,

I'm sure they will charm the bidders on auction day,

but I think we've a few more things to find

-if we're going to hit that target.

-OK, then.

It's clear Russell's in tune with the universe,

and it seems as though he's looking for a sign regarding today's outcome.

Or perhaps he's just found another great item to add to the auction.

He received this crystal ball to mark 30 years in the entertainment business.

This time, he'll let someone else try to command the cosmos for £30 to £40.

Meanwhile, Charlotte has come across another gift,

this one given to Russell for his 50th birthday in 2001.

This large oil painting of Caernarfon Castle

was painted by a local artist,

and John thinks it could add another £50 to £75 to the ever-growing kitty.

Russell, you're known internationally as an astrologer,

but you actually started out wanting to be an actor, didn't you?

Well, yes, and I did lots and lots of programmes that people still know, still see -

On The Buses, Doctor In The House,

and then I did Fenn Street Gang, Please Sir!

I did wonderful classical stuff like Canterbury Tales,

so I had a wonderful time.

Do you ever regret having given up the theatre for astrology?

Oh, yes, constantly.

It was only ever meant to be a hobby, and I'm at my happiest when I'm entertaining,

so I'm going back more into the things I love to do.

The fact that you're wearing that wonderful sweater reminds us that it was breakfast television...

You used to wear the sweaters, you did the daily horoscopes,

and you were this larger-than-life character.

I know, I was completely mad.

Um, completely bonkers.

I had a wonderful boss there called Ron Neil.

The sweaters actually weren't as chichi as this,

my mother made this, and I promised I would wear it.

In fact, I often say I won't wear sweaters any more because of those times.

Because I was actually made to wear those, you know.

You must have done your own astrological readings.

Yes. 2009, Jupiter entered Aquarius, which is my sign,

and that's always a good time to expand and grow.

I got myself into shape by losing about seven-and-a-half stone,

but then I've got some really heavy, intense concentrated aspects now for the next four to five years,

so it's now time to have a good old purge and clear out,

which is why you're here, dear.

Shall we go and have a look and see what that Taurean John is up to?

-He's Taurus?

-He's Taurus.

Good at money, he'll be doing a good job.

He should be.

Let's go and see what he's finding to take to auction.

Whilst we've been chatting, John has been keeping up the good work

and comes across an old railway lamp on the landing.

No guardsman would ever have been without one of these

on the Victorian railways,

and there's still a strong collector's market for them today.

John thinks this example could light the way to another £30 to £40 at auction.

-Right.

-What have you found now?

-I found this...

Let's have a look at that.

..but I'm a little bit concerned, simply because it is very much linked to my home county of Middlesex.

You have an interest in cricket, Russell.

I love all sports, but cricket especially,

because we wave the Middlesex flag with that, you see.

And indeed, this is not just any old Middlesex game,

this is the Russell Grant Middlesex Cricket Festival!

-Yes!

-You sponsored it.

-I did.

This is held every year in Southgate, at the Walker Ground.

People think Southgate is North London, but it's actually in Middlesex.

And this beautiful ground, with the church and the spire and everything,

it's held there, and there's normally some short games and some County Championship games.

And these were the ones that actually were in that year.

And a little cricket bat, the miniature cricket bat,

I got all the players like Andy Strauss, OA Shah...

In fact, all of the players who played in these matches have signed the back.

Well, it is a lovely montage. It's a great piece, it's got great provenance.

Three lovely programmes and that signed cricket bat, beautifully framed up as well.

I think there'll be lots of cricketing fans that would give this house room.

What I would ask you, Russell, those signatures on there,

could you transcribe those

so the auction house and any potential viewer can read that,

see who's on there, and a letter of authentication?

-Yeah, no problem.

-Cos that will be the great thing.

I certainly think we should be looking about £150 to £250.

How's that?

Yeah, definitely. Nothing less.

Well, if we can make £150,

I tell you what, that's going a long way to making our £440.

-Do you know, we have never had 440 before, have we?

-No, we haven't!

So let's put this back on the wall and see what else we can find.

Well, it's a wonderful collection of cricketing memorabilia,

but will the bidders be bowled over by it on auction day?

100, 110, 120.

-Blooming heck!

-130.

Find out later when the hammer falls.

Russell's stunning property in North Wales

is certainly keeping us all busy, and amongst his many possessions,

Charlotte has dug out a pair of brass school bells.

Russell bought these at auction,

and they date from the early part of the 20th century.

John thinks at auction, they could raise as much as £30 to £50.

Walk this way. I know, no gags.

What do you think of that?

I like it a lot. This is something you'd consider selling, Russell?

Yeah, I am. It's a Black Forest gateau or clock.

I did try to eat it. But no, seriously,

this was something I bought not so long ago,

and I do love it, but you have to keep winding it up.

And I'm... You know, I'm just not into doing things like that.

I love Black Forest carving, real fan of that.

As a carpenter when I left school,

I never lost that love of wood and carved wood.

The cuckoo clock itself is a form that's been around almost as long as clocks.

The earliest mention of cuckoo clocks is around 1630, believed to have been owned by a German prince.

-Is it in working order?

-Yeah, yeah, yeah. He pops out,

and of course, the antlers are still all intact...

-Fantastic.

-..with him, Rudolph.

And look at this case, it's just adorned with symbols of that forest way of life,

from the oak leaves around the side of the case,

-and even the pendulum there...

-I noticed that, isn't that good?

-..is an oak leaf.

Under there, we've got the gamekeeper's bag,

where he keeps his cartridges.

Right down to the weights, look, they're cast pine cones. I love it.

-Isn't it lovely?

-It is lovely, it really is.

-I think we should be looking at around £150, possibly £180, something like that.

-Yeah?

-Happy with that?

-Absolutely.

Another excellent item for auction, but I think you've more tucked away, don't you?

-Come on, let's rummage.

-Walk this way.

There's not much time left to make Russell's £440 target.

But luckily, John's instinct for valuable items

has let him straight to the kitchen

where he's found an enormous cheese dish.

It's Victorian in style, but John thinks it's a modern Oriental reproduction.

But he's certain that someone will fancy it, and values it at £30 to £40.

Your family is important to you. Your two grandmothers,

Alice and Lily, they are two of the most important people in your life.

Oh, my goodness! I still think about them every day, even though I've lost them both.

My grandmother, Alice, she lived with my mum and dad.

She brought me up, really.

Then my nanny Lily, she lived in Ruislip, she was so cool.

But it's really because of your closeness to your grandmothers

that you're so involved now with the Alzheimer's Society, isn't it?

Yes. Nanny Alice, she started to show signs of dementia.

Although, you see, at the time, in the 1980s,

people didn't know what it was, doctors didn't know what it was.

And so dementia, as it is now, it does have and hold a stigma

because, to a lot of people, dementia means madness.

And people don't want to think they've got madness in the family.

And don't want to talk about it.

They don't want to talk about it, they go into denial.

But what people don't understand is,

when you have something which is a physical pain,

you can say, "I ache here, I hurt here,"

but people with dementia or Alzheimer's can't say that.

Research to find a cure is terribly important,

because that way, the cure-all is the panacea.

Well, we're going to try and do our bit

to ensure that we raise that money.

And we've still got a few more things to find to make that money,

so I think we'd better get back to work, don't you?

-Oh, definitely.

-Let's go.

-Loads of stuff in my drawers, love.

Time is, sadly, slipping away on our day here in North Wales.

We've seen so many terrific collectibles already,

but could Russell be saving the most unusual till last?

You looking at my salt-marsh lamb?

-We are. Look at it!

-Famous lamb,

famous Welsh lamb there.

Famous plate, famous plate here.

What a fantastic looking plate, Russell. Where does that one come from, then?

I did a very successful series called Russell Grant's All-Star Show,

and that was given to me at the end

by the crew and everyone who worked on the show.

-So you remember seeing this in the house, Charlotte?

-I do, yes.

-Do you like it?

-I do. Yeah, it's lovely.

It is a wonderfully colourful piece of pottery,

earthenware to be precise,

but we can see all the decoration on the front.

And on the back it says, "Russell Grant's All-Star Show."

But here we've got a maker's mark and it says "Majolica Works".

-Majolica is a type of glazed earthenware, colourful glazed earthenware.

-From Italy?

From Italy. And that type of pottery is known as Majolica in Italy.

In Germany and France it is known as faience,

and the same type of pottery in England and Holland is known as Delft.

-It's very distinctive, that.

-It's unique, one-off.

No-one else has got one of them.

Not an easy thing to price, I should think, John.

So what do you reckon we might get on it at auction?

Well, I have to say it would be a bit of a guesstimate

because it is unique, but I'm for tempting the bidder,

so I'd put an estimate of £80 to £120,

and hopefully, we might even get that 100 or more.

Oh, good. That's great.

I tell you what's even better than that -

that's the last thing we're taking a look at today before we go to auction,

so let me tell you...

I've got goose flesh about this before I tell you the figure,

because you said you wanted to make £440,

you said anything that's got eights in it,

so if you made £880, it would be better.

Do you know how much it's come to

now I've added up all those lowest estimates?

£880!

No! No, really?! Oh, my goodness!

Twice the 440.

You see, there's something in all this.

I know you all think I'm bonkers,

but there is something in it and that's why I believe in it.

That is incredible, isn't it?

'Now that really is spooky.'

It's also a fitting way to finish what's been a successful day in North Wales

with one of Britain's best-loved astrologers.

But we no longer need a crystal ball to know exactly which items we're going to be taking off to auction.

There's the intricately carved cuckoo clock

from the depths of Germany's Black Forest.

John loved it and we're hoping that the bidders will too,

and pay upwards of its £150 to £180 estimate.

The collection of cricketing memorabilia

and miniature cricket bat,

signed by some leading England players, including Andrew Strauss.

Fingers crossed it will be a big hit in the saleroom

and deliver its £150 to £250 estimate.

And, of course, there's the splendid Dresden ornament.

We're looking for £250 to £350 for it, but who knows?

Come auction day, it could exceed all predictions.

'Still to come on Cash In The Celebrity Attic -

'Russell dishes out advice on how to improve one's home...'

It's the perfect piece to have in the north area of your home or office because it represents support.

I never knew that. Did you, John?

No, but you must come round when I redecorate.

I will. I'll feng shui you.

'..and emotions run high.

'Was it something I said?'

-Every time I meet you, you make me cry.

-Oh, sweetie!

It is so fantastic.

'Find out with the final fall of the gavel.'

Well, Russell's beautiful house in that stunning Welsh countryside

really did come up trumps with items for us to take to auction.

There was that astrological plate, the signed Middlesex cricket bat

and some really lovely pieces of porcelain.

And we've brought all of them to sell here today at Byrne's Auctioneers in Chester.

Now, you'll remember that Russell wants to raise at least £440 to donate to the Alzheimer's Society,

so let's hope all of today's bidders are feeling generous when his collectibles go under the hammer.

Now, we've got the crystal ball, which we hope, actually,

will make a few bob because of that nice inscription on the bottom.

-Any second thoughts about anything at all?

-My Middlesex stuff, yeah, only because we're in Cheshire.

And how many Middlesexy people are there here?

But there are some great names on that cricket bat.

Yeah, it's got Andrew Strauss, it's got OA Shah.

It's got some of the big names, of that there's no doubt.

So, maybe, maybe you're right.

Well, we don't need the crystal ball,

we know we are going to do well. So...shall we go and get started?

Right, we're off.

I think the first of our lots up before today's crowd are absolutely charming.

It's the three terriers made by SylvaC -

a British pottery company that specialised in porcelain animals,

but which ceased production in the early 1980s.

We're ready to go, Russell. How you feeling?

Some wavers, I don't know why.

You shouldn't be nervous,

you've got Charlotte to give you encouragement.

But she doesn't know what she's doing either.

We've got three dogs coming up, we've got £30 to £40 on them.

How much did you pay for them?

-Goodness...

-About £20?

-Something like that.

We're looking for a profit. Possible, John?

Well, they're charming and they're displayed down at the front,

so hopefully, we'll get our £30 for them.

Three SylvaC terriers.

£30 opens the bidding here. £30, I have.

-He's got £30 already.

-What, for those doggies?

-Yes.

38, 40,

42, 45...

-Still going up.

-No! It's outrageous!

..any advance on 48?

At £48, I have. Are we all done?

At £48, I'm selling now.

-At 48.

-GAVEL BANGS

I'm going to cry. I am!

I think that's a fantastic start for the charity. My goodness,

someone loves my doggies, woof-woof!

And why wouldn't they love your doggies, Russell?

Just look at them - they're adorable.

What a great way to kick off our auction.

Let's hope it's a sign of things to come.

Now, I for one am going to be really intrigued

to see what the good people of Chester make of Russell's next offering.

You obviously like cheese because this oriental cheese bowl that is coming up is rather large.

Yes.

RUSSELL SPEAKS WELSH As we say in Wales. Big cheese, that's me.

-I'd forgotten you speak Welsh.

-RUSSELL SPEAKS WELSH

A little bit. A bit of Welsh, but a lot of cheese.

Yes. But we should do quite well with this, John.

Well, let's hope so. As we say, it's modern Oriental Victorian style.

-Now, there's an oxymoron.

-Yeah!

We're looking for £30 for it.

I think it's cute. In fact, I rather like it.

Is there any cheese left in it, though?

There it is, and bidding starts with me at £18.

£18, I have. Any advance on 18?

On commission at £18. Any advance on 18? At £18.

We want to get more than that, please.

On behalf of charity at £18.

Any advance? 20, 22...

Bit of mature cheese we can throw in with it?

..£25. Any advance on 25? Straight ahead at £25. Are we all done?

-Should have put Camembert in.

-Yeah.

Quite sure? All done?

-£25, happy with that?

-I'm happy with anything.

-Good!

I like Russell's attitude.

His first lot sold over estimate, the second just below.

'So, as it stands, we're still right where we want to be.

'From a modern reproduction to a genuine antique.

'It's the Victorian guardsman's lamp from the Welsh railways.'

So you've never been out at night with the lamp?

Leading the way through the mountains.

Definitely not, and certainly not up a railway.

I see a remake of the Railway Children, don't you?

Can I be Jenny Agutter? Please?

£30 to £40. It's going to go to a railway buff, presumably, John.

Hopefully, and hopefully we'll get near our estimate.

We haven't done badly with railwayana of late. I'm optimistic.

Appropriately sold here at The Sidings. And what shall we say for this one?

Bidding starts with me at £10.

£10, I have.

12, 15, 18, 20,

22, 25,

28, 30, 32.

£32 here.

At £32. Any advance on 32?

35, new bidding. 38.

£38 straight ahead, then. At £38. Any advance on 38?

-At £38, are we all done?

-We'll throw in a guardsman.

We're selling at £38.

-£38!

-Is that good?

Well, we're pleased, then.

We had £30 to £40.

Oh, well, that's good. JC...

Looks like someone's in Russell's good books.

That's another cracking result.

And, after three lots, we've so far managed to raise all the ones -

£111 towards Russell's £440 target.

Maybe it's a sign that good fortune is on our side.

If only we had a crystal ball to look into.

Oh, we do!

Now, we're all going to get a bit mystic now

because we've the crystal ball coming up,

which is lovely because it's got that lovely inscription on the bottom saying,

"Dear Russell, congratulations on 30 years in the entertainment business.

"Love, all at ITV."

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I was working for ITV at the time when it came up to being this anniversary.

£30 to £40 is what we got on this.

But, John, a bit difficult to decide what sort of value to put on it.

You've got to take a punt on it, haven't you?

Well, of all the items that Russell's brought today,

what better item to own than the crystal ball, I ask you?

£30 to £40, it seems a small estimate.

-Hopefully, it will blast it away.

-Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Right. Oh, crystal ball, how much are we going to get? Let's find out.

This is Russell's very own crystal ball, inscribed on the base.

What shall we say for this? Bidding starts with me at £18.

£18, I have. Any advance on £18? £18, I'm bid.

-At £18, any advance on £18?

-Bit more than that!

20, 22,

25, 28, 30.

£30, I'm bid. At 30 pounds against you.

At £30, bid is on the right at 30.

Any advance on £30?

30's our lowest bid, isn't it?

£30, I have. Bid straight ahead at £30. Are we all done?

At £30, you're quite sure? It's a unique item at £30.

Are we all done. Quite sure?

-£30. 32.

-Somebody coming in late.

-Down the row at 32.

Any advance on 32?

It's against you now. Down the row at £32.

Are we all done at 32?

-Quite sure? Selling now at £32.

-GAVEL BANGS

-Late bidder, £32.

-Yeah.

-It was over our bottom estimate.

But I was hopeful we would get more than that.

But it's got the inscription underneath,

so it's too personal to me for some people, isn't it?

'How did I know it was going to sell for that price? Well, I didn't.

'But it is right within estimate, so maybe Mystic John did.

'It's the turn of the old school bells next.

'Now, Charlotte discovered these, and as someone with a passion for antiques,

'it will be interesting to see if the bidders share her liking for them.

'John valued the pair at £30 to £50.'

So, you didn't use them to call the staff when you wanted your lunch?

No, they just appear as if by magic.

When I appear, there's people who sort of mill around me

-and bring me food and grapes and wine.

-You live a charmed life.

I do, darling. They dress me, they un...

No, they don't. Trust me.

THEY LAUGH

And bidding starts with me at £15.

-Oh, we've got a bid.

-The two school bells at 15, 18, 20.

-Oh, good.

-22. Your bid at £22.

Any advance on 22? 25, 28, 30.

Two people in the room want it.

£30, In the centre at 30.

At £30, I have. Any advance on 30?

At £30, I'm bid. Are we all done?

At £30. You're quite sure?

-I'm selling now at £30.

-GAVEL BANGS

-Are we pleased?

-In the immortal words of Leslie Phillips, "Ding dong!"

Don't you start, John.

I've got enough on my plate keeping Russell under control!

Oh, but I'll let you off, though, as we are doing really rather well.

Only one item has failed to achieve its estimate so far,

but we have only been selling the lower-valued items.

Until now, as it's the turn of the Black Forest cuckoo clock.

Not antique, but magnificent, nonetheless.

Are you not loathe to get rid of this, Russell?

Oh, I really would love to keep it, but there's a lot of winding up that has to be done.

And when you go away, you come back, you're disoriented, and you don't know the real time.

Or are you in the real world? In fact, where am I?

I've put £150 to £180 on it, I think it's fantastic.

Hopefully, we'll get somewhere near our estimate.

Handsome piece this one.

And bidding starts with me at £150.

Hey-hey!

£150.

At £150, I'm bid. Any advance on 150?

At £150, I'm bid. Are we all done?

At £150. I shall sell at 150 if we're all done.

-At £150.

-GAVEL BANGS

Nice result.

Sold to a buyer on commission, and bang on John's lower estimate.

It's been an exciting first half to our auction, so how much have we raised so far?

Remember, Russell is hoping to raise at least £440.

We're up to £323.

-Are we really? That's good.

-We are.

And we've more lovely stuff to come - that amazing collection of Dresden figurines,

and your astrological plate, which you, my friend, are going to sell.

All right, so long as I can sing and dance and do my whole repertoire.

I tell you what, how would you like three minutes where you can just go and rehearse?

Yes. Get your legs out, Rippon.

Cheeky so-and-so!

Now, if you're thinking of heading to auction to raise money for something special,

then do remember fees like commission may be added to your bill.

So always check the details with your local auction house first to avoid any surprises.

Now, I wonder how Russell's rehearsal is going.

Look at this! A thrilling combination, me and the hat.

It's got a little bit of a French flag, quite nice now because it's gone mauve.

That's nice because it fits my hot pink colour scheme.

# Singular sensation every little step she takes

# Diddly diddly dee, one, yeah! #

Right, enough tomfoolery, Russell.

Carry on like that and you'll frighten off all the bidders.

And that's the last thing we need, as we have some cracking lots coming up.

Starting with the contemporary oil painting of Caernarfon Castle

under a moonlit sky.

If you're into feng shui, it's the perfect piece to have

in the north area of your home or office, because it represents support.

-I never knew that. Did you?

-No. You must come round when I redecorate.

I will. I'll feng shui you!

THEY LAUGH

And that's the best offer you'll get all week!

The bidding starts with me at £18. £18 I have.

Any advance on 18? At £18 I bid 20, 22.

25, 28...

Good.

..30, 32,

35, 38, £40.

Oh, this is good.

£40 on the right.

Any advance on 40? At £40 I have.

Any advance on £40? At £40 I'm bid.

I'm watching you closely at £40. Are we all done? At £40,

selling at 40...

-Do you mind that, Russell?

-No, I'm really pleased,

because I was really worried it was going to go for a tenner. So 40 is good.

So, Russell's more than happy, and let's hope the new owner enjoys

all the benefits of the feng shui powers of the painting.

Now, I think it's fair to say that our next lot isn't going to be everyone's taste.

It's the limited edition Royal Winton chintz mantel clock

that was produced in the 1990s.

John's valued it, possibly optimistically, at £50-75.

A little bit out of the norm. You do see odd teacups

and part breakfast sets turning up, so a nice clock like this, limited edition, hopefully will do that.

Yeah. And I'm out of the norm!

Definitely a limited edition!

They broke the mould!

It's a clochet avant-garde.

The bidding starts with me at £32.

Ooh, that's good!

..32. The bid is on commission at £32.

Any advance on 32?

35, 38,

40, 42.

£42 I'm bid. Standing at 42.

Any advance on £42?

At £42 I have. Are we all done?

At £42, we're quite sure, selling at 42... 45, new bidder.

Standing at the back at 45.

Any advance on £45? At £45 I'm bid.

The bid is at the back now at 45. Are we all done? Selling at 45...

£5 under our lower estimate.

Considering how the market has turned, are we are OK with it?

Oh, yeah. I'm OK with anything, really. A couple of quid will do me.

Russell is still happy, despite the clock not exactly attracting a bidding frenzy.

But it is proof enough that chintzware items are still collected by people who love it.

Now, it's time for one of our star lots.

The Middlesex County Cricket memorabilia.

And, as a passionate fan of the game, Russell knows just how collectable this lot is.

But how many Middlesex cricket fans will there be here today in Chester?

I think you're a bit nervous about this

next item coming up, Russell, but you have put a £150 reserve on it.

Yeah. Simply because it's very special to me.

This is the wrong place for it. What does Middlesex mean to them?

I need a rich old Middle Saxon.

Don't we all, dear?

Who'll start me at £100?

£100 anywhere. £100 for it, surely?

£100 anywhere? No?

£80, then. £80 I'm bid.

Oh, well, that surprises me.

Any advance on 80? 85.

90, 95,

100,

110, 120...

Bloomin' heck!

..130.

140.

Wow!

£140.

At £140.

-Would you let it go at 140?

-Yeah, yeah!

At £140...

Goodness me!

As we say in Middlesex, quelle surprise!

And as they say on the crease - howzat?

£10 shy of Russell's discretionary reserve,

but he doesn't care. Russell's delighted. In fact, we all are.

Today's sale is once again proving that you really can't predict

what might happen at auction, even with an astrologer on the team.

So it's anyone's guess what the room is going to make

of Russell's rather magnificent, if slightly OTT, Dresden ornament.

£250-350,

that's a fair amount, John!

It is quite a hefty price tag

considering that this stuff has gone out of fashion in recent years.

But there is a glimmer of hope. It is a nice piece, and I think there's a bit of provenance that may help.

So, Charlotte, what would your feeling be?

I would think it would fetch at the most about 200.

Let's see what the room feels.

Bidding starts with me at £150.

Ooh, wowee!

-Wowee!

-Any advance on £150?

160, 170,

-180, 190...

-Class!

200.

£200 I'm bid.

You were right, 200.

At £200 I have. Any advance on 200?

At £200, are we all done?

I'm selling at £200.

All done at 200.

You got that on the nose!

Don't worry, John. You're irreplaceable.

But well done, Charlotte, your prediction was spot-on.

Now, our next item, like Russell himself, is a complete one-off.

It's the astrological plate, made especially for him.

So, who better to take to the podium to try and achieve John's £80-120?

Russell, are you ready for this?

-Yeah.

-Are you girding your loins?

-Yeah.

-You haven't got the hat.

But you have got the personality, darling, and you've got the will to sell the astrological plate!

Darling, I'm Bonnie Langford. I'm off!

Welcome, Russell Grant.

Thank you!

Right, everybody.

This is my plate that was given to me at a very successful series in the 1990s

called Russell Grant's All-Stars Show.

-He we go.

-Someone give us a bid.

Eh? What's that, darling? 20 quid.

-What next?

-We want more than £20 for it, Russell!

Any more for any more?

It's worth more than 50 quid, I can tell you that. 60 quid, down there?

70 quid, diolch.

See, Cymraeg. It takes a Welshman to come here and put in a good bid.

80 quid.

Where are you from?

-From Chester.

-Good, good, we've got some local interest!

Thank you, diolch.

Anyone else?

90? Diolch! £90 already.

-£100!

-Oh, well done, Russell!

-Any more for any more?

-110.

-£110, fantastic, "fablas" as we say in Barry.

-120.

£120, fantastic, thank you so much.

Any more for any more?

-£130!

-She's over your estimate, John!

Don't get any more bids. I'll have to look at you.

HE LAUGHS

140 down there.

£140! Going back to Wales, Cymru.

150.

-Nice round figure.

-£160, oh, my goodness!

Now I'm going to start to cry.

Because this is very generous of both of you.

What's that? 170! This is brilliant.

This is like playing pantomime in Guildford, though.

-No-one laughs in Guildford.

-You're getting more than I am!

But it's good stuff. I've only got two in the audience bothering. Anyway, what else have we got?

180!

£180.

Do I bang the hat?

Oh, 200 from the back!

Eh? £200?!

£200 from the man at the back in black.

You see, he is a mystery man.

Lovely.

Do I put the hammer down on it?

Thank you, thank you very much.

APPLAUSE

-Well done!

-£200!

I've never been so exhausted in all me life.

Well, you can afford to relax now, Russell,

after that stupendous performance.

But what fate lies ahead for the astrological plate?

I've just recently moved house outside Dingwall.

I've got a huge lounge with a massive coffee-table on it.

And it's been sitting there begging for something big to be put on it.

And you can't get much bigger than a plate like this.

The amount of fruit that's going to go in this is going to be unbelievable.

So, the plate looks like its future is bright. But how has that last sale affected our day's takings?

Remember, Russell's original target was £440.

Do you remember when we were at the house, you also said 888 would be good, with all this lot?

-It was a magical number, wasn't it?

-Yeah, yeah.

-So if you'd made 888, you'd be pleased?

-I would be very pleased!

So if I tell you you've made 948...

Oh, my God!

That is fantastic!

That is fantastic.

£948.

Now you've set me off again, Rippon!

Every time I meet you, you make me cry.

-Oh, sweetie!

-It's so fantastic.

Gosh, I'm so showbiz!

The charity that I'm raising money for is the Alzheimer's Society.

But I have a special fund within it, and it's for research.

I became an international ambassador for the society - I was the very first one,

which was a great privilege and honour.

I wanted my money to go into research, because if you can find a cure, you don't need the drugs.

And that's going to help, especially with funding being so tight

for anything to do with medical science, medical research or such.

We have a number of ambassadors like Russell

who help raise money for us, who help raise the profile of dementia.

Getting people to remember just how important an issue it is.

To get the money that we did was just beyond my wildest dreams.

We've almost doubled it, and that is just brilliant.

So the people here have not just been generous,

but they have been overwhelmingly generous.

And I'm really, really grateful to them.

Russell predicted that we were going to have a good auction, and that was a stellar result for his charity.

If there is something that you'd like to raise money for and you think you have things at home

you'd be happy to take to auction, why not get in touch with the programme?

You'll find all of our details on our website:

We look forward to working with you on Cash In The Attic.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

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