0:00:02 > 0:00:03The nation's favourite celebrities.
0:00:03 > 0:00:05We are special, then, are we?
0:00:05 > 0:00:06Oh, that's excellent.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08Paired up with an expert...
0:00:08 > 0:00:09We're a very good team, you and me.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11And a classic car.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14Their mission, to scour Britain for antiques.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17- I've no idea what it is. - Oh, I love it!
0:00:17 > 0:00:20The aim, to make the biggest profit at auction.
0:00:20 > 0:00:21Yes!
0:00:21 > 0:00:23But it's no easy ride.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25- Oh!- There is no accounting for taste!
0:00:25 > 0:00:28Who will find a hidden gem?
0:00:28 > 0:00:30Who will take the biggest risks?
0:00:30 > 0:00:32Will anybody follow expert advice?
0:00:32 > 0:00:35- Do you like them?- No.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38There will be worthy winners and valiant losers.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40- Are you happy?- Yes. - Promise?- Ecstatic.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42Time to put your pedal to the metal,
0:00:42 > 0:00:44this is Celebrity Antiques Road Trip.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48Yeah!
0:00:50 > 0:00:54We're in the Thames Valley for a celebrity road trip with TV aristocracy.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Oh, look, there it is.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00Presenter Rebecca Wilcox and her mum, the iconic Esther Rantzen.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03It promises to be the mother of all contests.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08I am so competitive that I have actually made myself sick
0:01:08 > 0:01:09playing Trivial Pursuit.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12Do I get that from you, or do I get that from Dad?
0:01:12 > 0:01:14I think you get that from yourself, Rebecca.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18I don't think on this occasion you can blame either parent.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20- I am horribly competitive.- You are.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24I'm not, I just effortlessly win things.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28MUSIC: Theme tune from That's Life
0:01:28 > 0:01:30Esther Rantzen has been effortlessly gracing our
0:01:30 > 0:01:32TV screens for over 40 years.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36Most famously in That's Life.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40She always combined fun with being the consumers' champion.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42We get a great many letters every week on this
0:01:42 > 0:01:44programme from people complaining...
0:01:44 > 0:01:47But, perhaps, her greatest legacy is ChildLine,
0:01:47 > 0:01:51the ground-breaking service for children and young people.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Today, Esther's a rather nervous passenger.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56Keep your eye on the road.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58My eye is on the road!
0:01:58 > 0:02:01In a 1985 Mercedes convertible...
0:02:01 > 0:02:04You will tell me if I'm heading off into a ditch, won't you?
0:02:04 > 0:02:05Yes, darling, I will.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08The child of Esther and her late husband documentary maker,
0:02:08 > 0:02:13Desmond Wilcox, Rebecca's forged her own career in front of the cameras.
0:02:13 > 0:02:14No problem.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18On consumer programmes like Watchdog, This Morning
0:02:18 > 0:02:20and Your Money Their Tricks, for her presenting
0:02:20 > 0:02:22is as easy as falling off...a sofa.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24Ouch.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26But, when it comes to antiques hunting,
0:02:26 > 0:02:28she defers to Mum for advice.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31Go for what you think is chic and stylish
0:02:31 > 0:02:34and that you would want to live with in your home.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37How do I know that you're not trying to give me misinformation?
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Because I'm a warm and caring mother.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43THEY LAUGH
0:02:43 > 0:02:47Esther and Rebecca each have £400 to spend in a battle to create
0:02:47 > 0:02:51profits from antiques. They're going to need trustworthy advice.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Sounds like a job for experts, David Harper and Will Axon.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00So as far as Esther's buying habits go,
0:03:00 > 0:03:04do you think she's going to be looking for the ridiculous?
0:03:04 > 0:03:06I know what you're going... I know where you're going.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08Is she going to look for a piece of pottery in the shape
0:03:08 > 0:03:11of a rude bit - a carrot!
0:03:11 > 0:03:13That's the one. A misshapen spud.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16Well, it would be the first on the show.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20Auctioneer and valuer, Will, specialises in conventional pottery and furniture.
0:03:20 > 0:03:25David pairs up specialist antiques with buyers and auctions.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27He's also into classic cars,
0:03:27 > 0:03:30preferably bigger than this 1966 Mini Cooper.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33It's a good job we're both slim chaps.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36Slim and trim, Will, slim and trim.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40Today's road trip begins on the outskirts of Reading in Berkshire.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42It nips briefly into Hampshire
0:03:42 > 0:03:45and wanders through the Thames Valley in Oxfordshire
0:03:45 > 0:03:48before heading to an auction at the village of Send,
0:03:48 > 0:03:50near Woking in Surrey.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53- Hello, how are you?- Hello.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55Hi, Rebecca, David. Nice to meet you.
0:03:55 > 0:03:56Lovely to meet you.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58How'd you do, I'm Will, nice to meet you.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01As the celebrities arrive, it's time to declare the teams.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05- I see you are in your cyclamen? - Yes, thank you.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07Nice to meet you.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- We're sort of matching.- We complement each other.- We do, don't we?
0:04:10 > 0:04:13So, that's the pretty in pink team sorted.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15What do you think of the cars?
0:04:15 > 0:04:17I think you two are perfect for that little thing
0:04:17 > 0:04:19and we are perfect for this rather stately one.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22I feel slightly judged but I think that's great.
0:04:22 > 0:04:23I think that's much cooler.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26It's decided, Rebecca and Will will be zipping about in the Mini
0:04:26 > 0:04:30while Esther and David cruise in the Merc,
0:04:30 > 0:04:32their first stop will be in the centre of Reading
0:04:32 > 0:04:36and the short journey is a chance to assess the opposition.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39- We'll fight them to the death. - Oh!- To win.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43- Oh, my God!- So I have said that I'm not competitive,
0:04:43 > 0:04:45- I'm not competing with her.- OK.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47Is that because there's no point in competing with her?
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- Well, it's because I want to disarm her.- Ah.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52- Trap her into confidence.- Good.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55And then see if I can win in spite of her.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58Devious... And what about shopping style?
0:04:58 > 0:05:03It's very difficult to judge who's going to be in the auction, etc.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05I think the only thing to do is to go for things
0:05:05 > 0:05:07that you would buy yourself.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09It's a clear strategy.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12The first place to test it is at Fanny's.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15It's home to about 20 dealers with an eclectic mix of wares.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17Today, Will's the man keeping an eye on it all.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- How do you do?- I've watched you for many years.- Aw.- Oh.
0:05:20 > 0:05:21How sweet you are.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23Ah, and there's a lot to look at.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25Do you do this, do you wander around places?
0:05:25 > 0:05:27I haven't done this since my husband died.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30- We used to do it a lot. - Did you?- Oh, yeah.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32Did you do it like a hobby thing, or did you...
0:05:32 > 0:05:35It's just when we had a lovely day out, we would go to
0:05:35 > 0:05:38an antique shop and pick around, find something
0:05:38 > 0:05:40and then that would always remind us of the day.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43Esther's soon back in rummaging mode.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45I've got to get me glasses.
0:05:45 > 0:05:46And going for what she likes.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49Oh, look, wait a minute, there's a pig.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51- Now I'm very partial to pigs.- OK.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53What is it that you're drawn to, though?
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Well, it's got lots of animals.
0:05:55 > 0:05:56DAVID CHUCKLES
0:05:56 > 0:05:59God! There are animals everywhere I look.
0:05:59 > 0:06:00It's another animal!
0:06:00 > 0:06:02We've got a bit of an animal theme going here with Esther.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- What is that?- It's a nut cracker.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07With anything to do with animals, she's in there.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09Stick your nuts in there.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12I won't. Stick your own nuts in there.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15It doesn't matter whether they are brand-new, or any age at all.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Look, I've found an elephant stool.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21Now I need to try and turn this round and start focusing
0:06:21 > 0:06:25on something with age and quality and distinction.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27It could be an uphill battle, David.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31Fortunately, it looks as if Esther's taste extend beyond animals.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33Do you want me to help you there?
0:06:33 > 0:06:36If I knock everything off this shelf, will we have to pay for it?
0:06:36 > 0:06:38- Yes, well, you will.- Thanks.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- Right.- Oh!
0:06:40 > 0:06:43That's lighter than I thought it was going to be. Well, well, well.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45- OK, a piece of glass.- Yeah...
0:06:45 > 0:06:46- Signed...- Yeah.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Hand blown.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50Do you like glass?
0:06:50 > 0:06:52- Some glass, I like that bit.- OK.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- Do you speak French?- Oui.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57Can you pronounce that beautifully?
0:06:57 > 0:06:59- Alors, qu'est-ce qu'on dit... - Was that German?
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Jean Noel Bouillet, Objet D'art Signe.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05She's tres sophisticated!
0:07:05 > 0:07:08This piece of Art Glass was made in 1999 by Frenchman,
0:07:08 > 0:07:11Jean Noel Bouillet.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13Ah, il y a quelque chose...
0:07:13 > 0:07:16It comes with a signature, a certificate of authenticity
0:07:16 > 0:07:18and a £55 price ticket.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23I love it because all Art Glass is individual.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25There is only one of these objects in...
0:07:25 > 0:07:27It's a bit like you, Esther Rantzen.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31There is only one Esther Rantzen in the whole world.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- You may say, "Thank the Lord!" - I never said that.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- And there's only one of them. - I think it's rather gorgeous.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- How much would you pay?- £15.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40- Would you?- Yes.
0:07:40 > 0:07:41You're very hard, aren't you?
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- You know, I've never haggled in my life.- Really?- Never.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- Seriously? - What do you think we could...
0:07:47 > 0:07:49- I think that would be 20 to 30 in auction.- Do you?
0:07:49 > 0:07:52I think it's very, very stylish.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54- Shall we get a price on it?- Yeah.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57The Art Glass vase is a strong contender for Esther's first buy
0:07:57 > 0:07:59but only if the price is right.
0:07:59 > 0:08:04Esther, this is your opportunity to try, for your very first time,
0:08:04 > 0:08:08some negotiating. Go for it.
0:08:08 > 0:08:1025?
0:08:12 > 0:08:15That's 55, that's about 60% discount.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17Well, I'm... I've never...
0:08:17 > 0:08:19I think we need a little bit more than that
0:08:19 > 0:08:20but I think we could go...
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- 35.- You've weakened him nicely.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24Somewhere in the middle, 30?
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- 30. £30.- You've done it, you've done the deal.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29- There we are.- That's it!
0:08:29 > 0:08:31Well, you're wonderful, thank you very much.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- Deal done.- Thank you! - Our first purchase.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38With a reduction from £55 to £30, Esther's bagged her first bargain.
0:08:38 > 0:08:43It's modern but there's not an animal in sight. Phew!
0:08:43 > 0:08:45Out on the road, antiques novice, Rebecca,
0:08:45 > 0:08:47has a confession.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49I'm the most indecisive person in the world!
0:08:49 > 0:08:50- This I do not like.- No.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53We are going to have to make quick decisions today.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56Rebecca and Will are heading 11 miles south
0:08:56 > 0:08:58to the Hampshire village of Eversley.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01It's the home of Eversley Barn Antiques,
0:09:01 > 0:09:05a 16th century barn, filled with antiques and collectibles
0:09:05 > 0:09:07from furniture to porcelain.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- Oh, my word.- There's a lot here. - I don't know where to start.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12You have to start somewhere.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16A first peek in the cabinets yields a possibility.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18"Three pieces", it says.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20Yes, he would stand on top of that, which is
0:09:20 > 0:09:22where you'd put your little flowers.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24Then you've got the bowl underneath,
0:09:24 > 0:09:25which is quite stylish on its own.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- Do you like that?- I don't know.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30- You did say you were indecisive. - I'm completely indecisive.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- Well, you're not indecisive about that?- No.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34"I'm completely indecisive!"
0:09:34 > 0:09:36I don't know what I like.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38I know that I don't know but I don't know what I know.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41So, just to clarify, that's a known unknown.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- That's quite sweet. - That's nice quality, actually.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- Is that painted, or printed?- Erm...
0:09:49 > 0:09:50Painted...
0:09:50 > 0:09:52Printed...
0:09:52 > 0:09:54Painted... Stop me when I'm right.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56Well, it looks as if the lid on this glass tankard
0:09:56 > 0:09:59uses a combination of both techniques.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02It was probably made in Bohemia in the late 1800s.
0:10:02 > 0:10:07With a ticket price of £30, could it provide a rhapsody?
0:10:07 > 0:10:10I mean, it doesn't... It doesn't set my world on fire
0:10:10 > 0:10:12but...
0:10:12 > 0:10:14I don't want it if it doesn't set your world on fire.
0:10:14 > 0:10:15So it that a decision?
0:10:15 > 0:10:17Are we saying no to that?
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- We're not saying no.- We'll keep it in mind.- Keep it in mind.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23Ah, a decision not to make a decision.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26Back in Reading, Esther's still working on the principle
0:10:26 > 0:10:29of buying what she likes, no matter what it is.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32I have a two-year-old grandson...
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- Oh, how he would love that.- OK.
0:10:36 > 0:10:37That is brilliant...
0:10:37 > 0:10:39in so many ways
0:10:39 > 0:10:42and then abominable in another.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44- £65.- OK.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46It is new and probably made in China.
0:10:46 > 0:10:47I don't care.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51On the day this was made, they also made 48,000 of them
0:10:51 > 0:10:54in the same factory. For your grandchild...
0:10:54 > 0:10:55Stick it on the floor down there.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- What am I, blinking Arnold Schwarzenegger?- Yes.
0:10:58 > 0:10:59Well, yes.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02It's that cyclamen shirt, you see.
0:11:02 > 0:11:03Now, hang on.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05Jump on, then. Let's see...
0:11:05 > 0:11:07You're not going to, are you? You are.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09I can't believe it!
0:11:09 > 0:11:10Wait a minute.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12- Oh!- Oh, I say!
0:11:12 > 0:11:14- Hang on, hang on. - Esther, you'll never get out.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16You're right.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18I'm there forever.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20How's that?
0:11:20 > 0:11:24Well, it's not a sensation that I would do very often for fun.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26You know, my life is complete.
0:11:26 > 0:11:27Let's not go there, eh?
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- Ow!- Do you want a hand out?
0:11:30 > 0:11:31- Call a doctor.- Argh.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36A little more searching turns up something
0:11:36 > 0:11:39that really floats David's boat.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41Something finally with a bit of age.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- Hang on. Esther?- Yeah!
0:11:43 > 0:11:47Can I introduce you to something that we call in the business
0:11:47 > 0:11:49- an antique?- Yes, go on, then.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52Would you like to try it out? It's this chair.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- Yes.- It's safe but it does rock, so be prepared...- Yeah.
0:11:55 > 0:11:56..to rock.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00This American rocker dates from around the late 19th century.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02The upholstery has seen better days
0:12:02 > 0:12:05but the frame is made from durable beechwood.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- Tell me what your thoughts are? - I think it's hideous.- Ah!
0:12:11 > 0:12:14Excellent, I'm loving that attitude.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- OK, it does get better. - It would have to.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- I'm removing that.- Yes, OK. - It's just a super piece of kit.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- Is it?- Oh, yes.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- I'm not convincing you, am I? - It's just I think it's ugly
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- but that's just me. - What do you think it's worth?
0:12:29 > 0:12:32I think it's worth about 35/40 quid.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- OK, would you pay that for it?- Never!
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Unimpressed, Esther carries on browsing.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43Undeterred, David tracks down Will.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Right, Will, the old American rocker there,
0:12:46 > 0:12:49needing a little bit of restoration.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51What's the absolute double-death best price?
0:12:51 > 0:12:55The death on that would be £25.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- 25?- Mmm.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- That's really...- No, that's fine.
0:13:00 > 0:13:01OK, leave that with me for a moment.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05Right, there you are. OK, so you were meant to stay with the chair,
0:13:05 > 0:13:07lusting after it.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09- I'm sorry, darling.- Yes.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- Japanese?- Japanese, yes, definitely.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- Very pretty.- Very pretty. I like that.- I like that.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- That's Imari.- If someone gave me that as a present, I'd be thrilled.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- So you actually like it? - I actually like it.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22- Oh, oh!- I really do like it.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- And, guess what?- What? - It's an antique.
0:13:25 > 0:13:26Goodness me!
0:13:26 > 0:13:29It's got no animals, it's genuine 19th century
0:13:29 > 0:13:33and with a ticket price of £22, it's a possibility.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37But, first, David has unfinished business with the rocker.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41You said you would pay, if you went mad one day, 35.
0:13:41 > 0:13:46- What if I said we can get it for 25?- Done.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48- It's a steal.- Great.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50It may be hideous in Esther's eyes
0:13:50 > 0:13:53but at £25 even she can turn a blind eye.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56All that's needed now is a deal on the Imari plate,
0:13:56 > 0:13:57ticket price £22.
0:13:59 > 0:14:00Erm, what could that be?
0:14:00 > 0:14:04Bearing in mind, we've bought the chair - big spenders.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- Can it be ten quid?- 12.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- Done!- I'm happy.
0:14:08 > 0:14:09My gosh, we're on a buying fest!
0:14:09 > 0:14:13It's a buying tour de force, no less, with the rocker,
0:14:13 > 0:14:16the Imari plate and the Art Glass vase,
0:14:16 > 0:14:19all snapped up for a total of £67 in Esther's first shop.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21Wow!
0:14:21 > 0:14:24Over at Eversley Barn, indecision is the name of the game.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27Rebecca hasn't ruled out the Bohemian glass
0:14:27 > 0:14:29and Will's diverted to another option.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32They're very simple.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- Is that the style? - Yeah, very much so.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36I mean, they know who it's by, Keith Murray,
0:14:36 > 0:14:38and it helps us that you can turn it over
0:14:38 > 0:14:41and it tells you exactly who it's by under there.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- Keith Murray for Wedgwood.- Is that somebody I should have heard of?
0:14:44 > 0:14:47Well, Keith Murray was a very influential
0:14:47 > 0:14:50architect and designer who worked at Wedgwood in the 1930s.
0:14:50 > 0:14:55He's known for his very restrained take on Art Deco style.
0:14:55 > 0:15:01- Whoa!- How much is it?- £135! - Yeah, but look.- Wow!
0:15:01 > 0:15:03It was £195.
0:15:03 > 0:15:08It has come down to £135 because, obviously, they can't sell it.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10What do you reckon? Get it for 70?
0:15:10 > 0:15:14I think if we could get that for £100, we could stand a chance.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17Got to put the face on, got to put the face.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19Rebecca's on the brink of a decision.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- Hold that.- No, please!
0:15:22 > 0:15:24But it all hinges on her haggling skills...
0:15:24 > 0:15:26Nobody get in my way!
0:15:26 > 0:15:28..and how dealer Hillary reacts to them.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32- What would be your best price? - OK, let me see.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34100.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37What about 75?
0:15:38 > 0:15:41I'm tempted. 80, and then...
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- 80, as it's you?- 77?
0:15:43 > 0:15:45Oh! She's good! I haven't even had a word.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- It's all your own work, this. - Would you go for a nice even 77?
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- 77. We've got to, haven't we?- OK.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- Amazing!- Have we bought it? - Brilliant!- You've bought it.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- Good work. Well done. - Thank you so much!
0:15:56 > 0:15:59It's an impressive haggling debut with the Keith Murray set
0:15:59 > 0:16:02reduced from £135 to 77.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06On a roll, Rebecca decides to try for the Bohemian glass tankard, too.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10- What's the best price? - It's only got £30 on it.
0:16:10 > 0:16:15- I know. It's not a lot to start with. - 25.- You are going to go for 20.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17He's thinking 20.
0:16:18 > 0:16:2022 and I will. Don't push it.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23She's playing you at your own game now. I think you should say yes.
0:16:23 > 0:16:2677 and 22. That makes a lovely 99.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- Pay me 100 if you like!- 77, 22, 99.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- Love it.- It's in the stars. Shake hands.- Thank you very much.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36With the Keith Murray set at £77 and the Bohemian glass tankard
0:16:36 > 0:16:42reduced from £30 to £22, Rebecca and Will have two decisions made.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- Thank you.- No, thank you. It's been good fun.- Thank you.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50Out on the road, Esther is itching to find out how her daughter
0:16:50 > 0:16:53and opponent is getting on with her purchases.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56She says she's only brought a Faberge egg and a Rolex.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- Several Rolexes. - I like your style, Rebecca!
0:17:00 > 0:17:05Esther and David are taking time out from shopping to find out more about
0:17:05 > 0:17:08a subject close to Esther's heart - children going through tough times.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11The Museum of English Rural Life in Reading has a collection
0:17:11 > 0:17:16devoted to the upheaval endured by child evacuees during World War II.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20- Hello.- Hello. Martin Parsons. How do you do?
0:17:20 > 0:17:23Professor Martin Parsons has studied their experiences.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28Between September 1st and 4th 1939,
0:17:28 > 0:17:31Operation Pied Piper evacuated 1.5 million children
0:17:31 > 0:17:36thought to be in imminent danger from bombing of British cities.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42They were only allowed to take the bare minimum.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46"Boys - one vest, one pair of pants, one shirt and collars,
0:17:46 > 0:17:49"one pair of trousers or shorts.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51"Girls - one vest or combination..."
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- You know what combinations are? - I haven't got a clue. - I can remember them well.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58"One pair of knickers, tunic and blouse or dress.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00Those children whose parents thought,
0:18:00 > 0:18:03"You're going to need more than one change of clothing,"
0:18:03 > 0:18:06decided to dress them up in two layers of clothing
0:18:06 > 0:18:09when they got on the train with a gabardine mac.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- And that weekend was notoriously hot.- Gosh.
0:18:12 > 0:18:18Also, they were given a 48-hour ration pack and of course,
0:18:18 > 0:18:21some of these children were going down to Cornwall
0:18:21 > 0:18:24and they were on the trains for nine, ten or twelve hours.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27If you're sitting there with a bag of food, you're going to eat it.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29- You're not going to say they threw up?- Yeah, they did.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33And so some of these children got to the other end and they were in a hell of a state.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35Poor little things!
0:18:37 > 0:18:40The journey was only the first part of a radical change
0:18:40 > 0:18:42in the children's lives.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46- So, was it a happy country holiday for...- No.- It wasn't?
0:18:46 > 0:18:49We have this romantic notion that these working-class children
0:18:49 > 0:18:51from the cities were taken in by middle-class people
0:18:51 > 0:18:54in the countryside but that's actually not true.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56The vast majority of people taking them in
0:18:56 > 0:19:01were the labouring classes, the agricultural labouring classes.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04And so what you get is a culture shock for the people
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- who had come down from the cities. - Would they have baths?
0:19:07 > 0:19:11No, they would have had a tin bath in front of the fire
0:19:11 > 0:19:14on a Friday night.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18They would have had a privy at the bottom...earth privy at the bottom of the garden,
0:19:18 > 0:19:20and they would have had candlelight.
0:19:21 > 0:19:26For some children, the distances and the culture shock were even greater.
0:19:26 > 0:19:3019,000 were sent overseas through private arrangements or by the government.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33The museum has a particularly fine collection relating
0:19:33 > 0:19:37to a young girl called Margaret Banyard who was placed with
0:19:37 > 0:19:40- a prosperous South African family. - How old was she there?
0:19:40 > 0:19:46- She's 11.- Here's a telegram dated 3rd October 1940.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56So, she had sent a telegram from South Africa?
0:19:56 > 0:19:59Yes, to say she had arrived.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01And this is her five years later...six years later,
0:20:01 > 0:20:07- when she comes back at 17.- Right. And was she happy?- No.- Oh, lord.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- And did it change her life? - It changed her life completely
0:20:10 > 0:20:15because until recently, she wouldn't even talk about her experiences.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21Margaret's hosts looked after her physical needs
0:20:21 > 0:20:24but through her formative years she got no emotional support
0:20:24 > 0:20:27and felt like a stranger in the house.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30The headline says, "Haunted for life by the loneliness of war years
0:20:30 > 0:20:32"away from her family".
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- Is that about her? - Yes, that's Margaret.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39Margaret completed her school matriculation in South Africa
0:20:39 > 0:20:42and had a long wait to be reunited with her family.
0:20:42 > 0:20:4814th of January 1946. "Thursday. Cheers! Meet in Waterloo station.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- "Love, Daddy."- Aw! - That's a reunion.- That's gorgeous.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54Although there were difficult experiences both abroad
0:20:54 > 0:20:58and within the UK, there were many happy ones, too.
0:20:58 > 0:21:05It's not insignificant, the number of ex-evacuees who have now
0:21:05 > 0:21:09retired back to where they were evacuated to during the war.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11- Well, that's a good thing. - It's a good sign.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14That's a very happy ending because that means that it's associated
0:21:14 > 0:21:16with good memories for them.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19That's lovely. Well, that's brilliant.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21Thank you very, very much.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- I feel very privileged to have seen them all.- You are very welcome.- Yeah.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28We've learned so much, Martin, in such a short period of time,
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- and it's been fascinating. - Fascinating.- Fascinating.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36On the highways of Hampshire, Rebecca is explaining to Will
0:21:36 > 0:21:40what it's like forging a career in the shadow of a famous mum.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46I never used to tell people that she was my mum so I used to lie
0:21:46 > 0:21:48and say she wasn't my mum and if somebody really pushed
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- I'd say that it was Joanna Lumley. - HE LAUGHS
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- Nice!- Which sometimes people believe, which is quite nice.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59There is something, yeah, there's something of the Patsy about you.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- AS PATSY:- Sweetie, darling!
0:22:02 > 0:22:03I met her once, actually, and I said,
0:22:03 > 0:22:07"I use to lie and pretend you were my mum." She looked horrified!
0:22:07 > 0:22:10Rebecca and Will are making the three-mile hop
0:22:10 > 0:22:14from Eversley to the village of Hartley Wintney
0:22:14 > 0:22:17where they are hoping to find more booty at White Lion Antiques.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20It's a centre offering everything from antiques to jewellery
0:22:20 > 0:22:22and shabby chic.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26With lots to look at, Rebecca and Will split up to search.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31But Rebecca's not sure about going solo.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37I'm a bit overwhelmed. Don't know where to start.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40This place is enormous. Look, it goes on.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42I have to make decisions.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45Denby. Denby. I've heard of Denby.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47Haven't I heard of Denby? Denby's good, isn't it?
0:22:47 > 0:22:49CHORD SOUNDS
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Is it supposed to do that? OK.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55I'm so musical(!)
0:22:58 > 0:23:01Mum's probably doing brilliantly by now.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04She probably bought everything in one shop
0:23:04 > 0:23:06and she's haggled down the price.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10It's as if you've known her all your life!
0:23:10 > 0:23:13Whoo! £395!
0:23:14 > 0:23:19Bamboozled by all the options, Rebecca ropes in Will for advice.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22Are you trying to suggest that I'll be your monkey while you grind it?
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- Yes! You're my organ grinder! - DISCORDANT MUSIC
0:23:26 > 0:23:29That's the only problem with it.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- It's quite dramatic, isn't it? - I think it's a horror movie.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38It's made in Spain so it could be a well-known flamenco number.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41- Oh, really?- Yeah. How is your offbeat clapping?
0:23:41 > 0:23:43DISCORDANT MUSIC
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- Oh, sweet Mary! - I really wish I hadn't done that.
0:23:45 > 0:23:52Ole! Will's rummaging has turned up a textured Art Deco style vase.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55- I don't know. It just had a funky sort of finish to it.- Look at that.
0:23:55 > 0:24:00It's weird, isn't it? It's not signed, that's the only thing.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03I'm wondering where it could be from.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06- I mean, if... - It could be an anonymous gem.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08It's got £68 on the ticket.
0:24:08 > 0:24:13- You need to get that for, like, £20, really.- OK. Wow! £20.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15- I can do that. - I've seen you in action.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20- If anyone can do it, the Becmeister can.- I like the name!- Go on!
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Go on, the Becmeister!
0:24:22 > 0:24:26The Becmeister will be pitting her haggling skills
0:24:26 > 0:24:31- against centre owner, Jerry. - We'd like to pay £20 for that.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34- Ow!- You hurt him! I felt that from here.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38I mean, it's been there a while. It's very dusty.
0:24:38 > 0:24:43- It's an antique!- Tucked away in the corner there, unloved, it was.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47- It's not signed.- Well, it's up for 68. Why don't we say 50?
0:24:47 > 0:24:50- Can't do that.- You're not trying? - No, I know.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53I told you the truth. My upper limit was 20.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55She's tough.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- 30?- 25?
0:24:58 > 0:25:01- 25, and that will be...that is it. - 27.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05- 25.- 25.- Shake his hand. - Thank you! Thank you!
0:25:06 > 0:25:09Having parted with the vase for £25,
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Jerry sees an opportunity for another sale.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14He has an Art Deco sterling silver dressing table set
0:25:14 > 0:25:18with a mirror, hairbrush and clothes brush at £125.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22- There's the mirror.- That's not a sight anyone wants to see!
0:25:22 > 0:25:25And I will give Will the hairbrush cos he'll be able
0:25:25 > 0:25:28to see the hallmarks.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30It's got something about it. It's not English.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34- Do you like it?- I do. I do think it's beautiful.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38- What would be your best price on that?- What about 85?
0:25:38 > 0:25:42- 75.- 75?- Would you do 75?
0:25:42 > 0:25:45- You get the better end of the deal at 75, Rebecca.- Oh, my days!
0:25:45 > 0:25:49- You are a lovely man.- Is it sold? - It's sold.- Thank you!- Good work.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51Well done. She is good, isn't she? I told you.
0:25:51 > 0:25:56Rebecca is a natural, landing a £50 discount with ease.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58It's been a busy day and there's another one to come
0:25:58 > 0:26:01so for now, teams, night-night.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08It's a new day and Esther and Rebecca are comparing notes.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13- I'm getting my eye in. Are you OK? - Really? I feel like I know nothing.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16I severely regret some purchases.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19Now, funnily enough, I don't regret any of mine.
0:26:19 > 0:26:24- I'm rather pleased with mine.- You're sounding really supremely confident.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26Some might say smug.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30Well, let assess who's entitled to feel smug, eh?
0:26:30 > 0:26:33Yesterday Rebecca had trouble deciding on anything.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- Do you like that?- I don't know.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40But in the end, she and Will spent £199 on a glass tankard,
0:26:40 > 0:26:44a Wedgwood jug and tankards designed by Keith Murray,
0:26:44 > 0:26:46a vase and a silver dressing table set,
0:26:46 > 0:26:49and it leaves them with £201 still to spend.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51Go on! Go on, the Becmeister!
0:26:51 > 0:26:55Esther made a beeline for what she likes.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57- What is that?- It's a nutcracker.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00- Hunting through modern, mass-produced goods.- Wow!
0:27:00 > 0:27:06I have a two-year-old grandson. How he would love that!
0:27:07 > 0:27:10Eventually she and David compromised, buying a modern
0:27:10 > 0:27:15Art Glass vase, a rocking chair and a 19th century Imari plate.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18- And guess what?- What? - It's an antique!
0:27:18 > 0:27:24They spent just £67 so they have a whopping £333 left to spend.
0:27:24 > 0:27:29- I like that jacket, that's very smart.- I like that shirt.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32Mum has scared the life out of me. She's supremely confident.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35- Come on, Esther! Put 'em up! DAVID:- Good, good.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38- And how are you feeling then, today? - Not confident. Sorry.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41- WILL: Thanks(!) Love you too(!) - Shall we hit the road?
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Let's hit the road, come on!
0:27:46 > 0:27:49David is wondering how Esther got into presenting.
0:27:49 > 0:27:54I was 28 and it was a programme called Braden's Week
0:27:54 > 0:27:58and I was the researcher and the producer decided
0:27:58 > 0:28:02- to put the researchers into the programme so there I was.- Wow.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04So it was a shock, then? It was a surprise to you?
0:28:04 > 0:28:07- And it was never planned. - Never planned.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11Esther and David are starting their second day shopping
0:28:11 > 0:28:15after a short drive along the Thames to Goring.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18It is a pretty village on the Oxfordshire bank of the river
0:28:18 > 0:28:20and the local scenery was the setting for
0:28:20 > 0:28:24The Wind In The Willows and Three Men In A Boat. Speaking of which...
0:28:25 > 0:28:29Esther and David have no time for such literary diversions
0:28:29 > 0:28:33as they are heading for Barbara's, home to 25 dealers
0:28:33 > 0:28:35and everything from antiques to bric-a-brac.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38Esther's still set on buying what she likes
0:28:38 > 0:28:41and now she needs help from owner, Mandy.
0:28:41 > 0:28:46I've got a two-year-old grandson and my theory is that people who go
0:28:46 > 0:28:49- to auctions have grandchildren.- Yes.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53So, if you have anything that might appeal to a grandparent,
0:28:53 > 0:28:55this grandparent would be delighted.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59So, what's here that's suitable for a grandchild?
0:28:59 > 0:29:01£2.50?
0:29:01 > 0:29:04I'm irresistibly... "Present from Morecambe".
0:29:04 > 0:29:08- I'm irresistibly drawn to crap. - Oi! Not that then.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11A set of pictures looks far more appropriate
0:29:11 > 0:29:14but it's hard to tell whether they are originals or prints.
0:29:14 > 0:29:19I'm thinking it's a watercolour. I can see the pencil underneath.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21Actually, I think I'm with you.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25I think they're proper watercolours. And very, very sweet.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28The pictures date from around 1930s
0:29:28 > 0:29:31and depict a sequence of nursery scenes.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35- The set of four is priced at £75. - Baby Bunkins.- I think they're fun.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39They would be lovely in a nursery. Wouldn't they be lovely in a nursery?
0:29:39 > 0:29:42I think they're gorgeous. I think they are gorgeous, actually.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44- Oh, my God.- I know. I can't believe we are agreed on something.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47- This is amazing. Alleluia! - Don't get too enthusiastic.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51- Because we've got to beat them down. - Listen, we really don't like them.
0:29:52 > 0:29:57Enthusiasm is a strategic error but at least they are agreed.
0:29:57 > 0:30:02- Now it's all down to price. - So, what are you thinking?
0:30:02 > 0:30:04OK, I'll take £30 off. That's it.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08- So, that'll be 45.- For all four? 45?
0:30:08 > 0:30:11Well, you know what? You pay...
0:30:12 > 0:30:16How did that happen? I think we've just bought them. Well done.
0:30:16 > 0:30:21- This is a new method of negotiating. - Well, look, it's tenner each.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25- It's a tenner each.- Brilliant. - Hooray!- Hooray!
0:30:25 > 0:30:30And thrice hooray! That's four pictures reduced from £75 to 45
0:30:30 > 0:30:35and a priceless outbreak of harmony between Esther and David.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39Meanwhile, Rebecca's still rueing yesterday's shopping.
0:30:39 > 0:30:44I hate the glass tankard with the enamel that I made us buy.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47I have no idea why I did that.
0:30:47 > 0:30:52It was some weird possession of some nutty, bad taste spirit that got me.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55Do you know what? I bet that makes the biggest profit.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59Soothing words, Will. Happily, there is another distraction at hand.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01Romance.
0:31:01 > 0:31:06Rebecca and Will are off to the University of Reading archives,
0:31:06 > 0:31:10which has a collection of material relating to publishers Mills and Boon.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14In the UK, one of their romance novels is bought every five seconds
0:31:14 > 0:31:17and Rebecca is well qualified to enjoy them.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20Well, I do have a Masters in English literature and language
0:31:20 > 0:31:22and, of course, Mills and Boon
0:31:22 > 0:31:24is superlatively wonderful literature(!)
0:31:24 > 0:31:27Actually, I have read a ridiculously revolting number of them.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31- Have you really?- I used to try and write them with my sister.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33All this about the stable boy who was in lust
0:31:33 > 0:31:37- and love with the manor lady. - Lady of the manor.- Yes.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40- Hello. Are you Judith? - Yes, welcome.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43Rebecca and Will's guide is Judith Watts,
0:31:43 > 0:31:46a PhD student who is researching the archive.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48Do you think they are unfairly disparaged?
0:31:48 > 0:31:50- That they are actually high literature?- No.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53I wouldn't say, and I don't think the authors would claim,
0:31:53 > 0:31:57and the publishers didn't say that it was high literature.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59It was always entertainment.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01The company was launched as a general publisher
0:32:01 > 0:32:05in 1908 by Gerald Mills and Charles Boon.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07When sales slumped in the Great Depression,
0:32:07 > 0:32:10it hit on a winning formula of producing books cheaply
0:32:10 > 0:32:12through tuppenny libraries
0:32:12 > 0:32:15and focusing on escapist romances for women.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17The readers took them very seriously.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21Some of the readers you read about walked or went 60 miles
0:32:21 > 0:32:23to buy a new copy.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25They would go without a pair of nylons, there's kind of
0:32:25 > 0:32:28in the readers' letters, to go and buy one.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31So people were taking them very seriously, the writers took them very seriously.
0:32:31 > 0:32:36I think what Mills and Boon were wanting to do was to publish the best romance that you could do.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40The company always encouraged and nurtured female authors.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43As the decades passed, the novels and the authors themselves
0:32:43 > 0:32:47reflected the changing role of women in society.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50When we reach the 1950s,
0:32:50 > 0:32:54the women are starting to kind of have more professions.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58So, this is a kind of really good example of an author writing then.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01This is Betty Beaty. She was actually living the dream.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05She went to Leeds University, she then trained as an air stewardess
0:33:05 > 0:33:09and, of course, she met her husband, who was a very handsome pilot.
0:33:09 > 0:33:14There were also a lot of other women who had dreamt about writing a novel.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18Someone like Violet Winspear, who started writing in the 1960s.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22Violet's first novel for the publishing house
0:33:22 > 0:33:25appeared in 1961 and her books
0:33:25 > 0:33:30earned a reputation for passionate stories and exotic locations.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33She was actually unmarried and lived at home with her mother
0:33:33 > 0:33:36but had strong views on what romance should be.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39In some of the letters she talks about,
0:33:39 > 0:33:42it shouldn't be like bacon and eggs on a plate.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45She says that romance should be caviar and not cod,
0:33:45 > 0:33:47and that's her view of it.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51She was very kind of worried that in the '60s lots of realistic things
0:33:51 > 0:33:54were creeping into romance and she really did believe in the...
0:33:54 > 0:33:57- The fantasy side.- Fantasy side.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59For many readers,
0:33:59 > 0:34:02the permissive society of the '60s changed what was acceptable.
0:34:02 > 0:34:07Violet tried hard to give readers all they wanted, but not too much.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11She sent a questionnaire to Alan Boon,
0:34:11 > 0:34:14which was wonderful because she asks things like,
0:34:14 > 0:34:17are heroines still to be virtuous?
0:34:17 > 0:34:20There's a lot of questions about the bedroom door
0:34:20 > 0:34:24and how far it should be kind of left ajar, or should it be closed?
0:34:24 > 0:34:28Whilst the business of writing was taken very seriously,
0:34:28 > 0:34:32the publishers did allow themselves a bit of fun, too.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34This book is really an equivalent of outtakes from the novels
0:34:34 > 0:34:37and they've been a bit cheeky, the editors and the publisher,
0:34:37 > 0:34:40because they've taken some of the things out of context.
0:34:40 > 0:34:45But they are very, very amusing. One of my personal favourites is,
0:34:45 > 0:34:49"I have never been intimate with a bear," she said with a sniff.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51"There's always a first time."
0:34:51 > 0:34:54So it's just full of wonderful things.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57- I have no idea what that means. - Me neither.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01"These lips are my sacramental wine," he murmured.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04At least they drank it and made certain vows
0:35:04 > 0:35:07that not even the blade of an espada may sever.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13- A bit of Spanish in there as well. Romantic.- Shivers!
0:35:13 > 0:35:15That's quite enough of that.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18Can I just say, it's been very informative and good fun.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21- And as a fan, I loved it.- Thank you for letting me share it with you.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23It's great.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26As our dashing hero and beautiful heroine
0:35:26 > 0:35:29head out into the golden sunset of Reading,
0:35:29 > 0:35:33Esther and David are making a slightly more prosaic journey
0:35:33 > 0:35:35from Goring further up the River Thames
0:35:35 > 0:35:38to the Oxfordshire town of Wallingford.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42Back in 1135, it was an important place in the struggle
0:35:42 > 0:35:47for the throne between Empress Matilda and her cousin, Stephen.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49Nowadays it's more likely to witness a taste war
0:35:49 > 0:35:52between Esther and David.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54It'll be played out at Lamb Arcade,
0:35:54 > 0:35:57an antique centre with over 40 shops and showcases,
0:35:57 > 0:36:00where Siobhan is one of the dealers.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03- I'm Esther. Hello, how do you do? - Nice to meet you, Esther.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06Esther and David still have £288 to spend.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08That is a treasure trove, is it not?
0:36:08 > 0:36:12After a little rummaging, David strikes gold.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15Isn't that just gorgeous?
0:36:16 > 0:36:18- That is one of the most...- Yeah.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22..hideous pieces of china I've ever seen in my life!
0:36:22 > 0:36:25This is the chalk and cheese team.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29Perhaps Esther is better off finding her own treasures, hey?
0:36:29 > 0:36:31- LID CLATTERS - Here we go!
0:36:31 > 0:36:35- Perhaps not. - Everything is collapsing!
0:36:35 > 0:36:38She is feeling the pressure.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41- The fiendish desire to win. - Exactly.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45- Overwhelming me.- The competitiveness is now coming out.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48The real Esther Rantzen has arrived.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52The real Esther Rantzen needs help, David. So, what do you suggest?
0:36:52 > 0:36:55Here we have a cigarette case.
0:36:55 > 0:37:00I know it's not that PC but it could be used as a card case.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03Silver, hallmarked,
0:37:03 > 0:37:05but that's the interesting thing.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07- RAF.- RAF.- Wow.
0:37:09 > 0:37:15- Gilded interior and it's hallmarked for 1939.- Wow!
0:37:15 > 0:37:18- That's interesting.- That's more than interesting, that's brilliant.
0:37:18 > 0:37:23- It is quite brilliant, actually. - I love it.- Do you?- Yes.
0:37:23 > 0:37:24At last - unity.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26It's got a fantastic history.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28This is a Battle of Britain pilot,
0:37:28 > 0:37:35aged 19, you know, with probably his little self-rolled cigarettes.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37You're absolutely right.
0:37:37 > 0:37:42- And because it's 1939, the beginning of the Second World War...- Yes.
0:37:42 > 0:37:47- ..it more than likely saw action during the Second World War.- Yes.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50The case seems promising, but it's not priced.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52What kind of figure can you do this for?
0:37:52 > 0:37:54I could do that for £60.
0:38:00 > 0:38:0250?
0:38:02 > 0:38:03Five.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06- Two?- No, I'll do 55, and I think you'll do well.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08At £55, it's tempting,
0:38:08 > 0:38:11and for Esther, it's not all about profit this time.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16I have met Battle of Britain pilots.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19I have sat next to them at dinner
0:38:19 > 0:38:24knowing that this man at age 19 had gone out on mission after mission,
0:38:24 > 0:38:26losing friends each time,
0:38:26 > 0:38:30and I'm Jewish, and I wouldn't be here if they had lost.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34If that battle hadn't been won, I certainly wouldn't be here,
0:38:34 > 0:38:36my family wouldn't be here.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39- Oh, my gosh, well... - So they mean a heck of a lot to me.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42Well, I think we have to go for that.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44That is so powerful that we have to have this.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47So we've done it. That's our final object.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49- Siobhan, please shake my hand.- Yes.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53- Thank you very much.- Thank you. - Esther.- I'm thrilled with that.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55- That's our best object. - That's our best object.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59It's been a bumpy ride for Esther and David,
0:38:59 > 0:39:02but at £55, their final lot is secured.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06Rebecca and Will have emerged from between the covers of their
0:39:06 > 0:39:10"romantic interlude" in Reading to meander down the river to Henley.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14Of course, it's famous for rowing, but there's no time for posing
0:39:14 > 0:39:16in straw boaters and stripy blazers today.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20Rebecca and Will have £201 left to spend.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22Tudor House Antiques could be the place to do it.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25It may look tiny but it's packed to the rafters,
0:39:25 > 0:39:28and Dave and Patrick are on hand to help.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31- Hello.- Hi, how you doing, all right? - I'm Rebecca, hi.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33- I'm Dave, pleased to meet you. - Hi, Dave, I'm Will.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35Adopting a divide-and-rule strategy,
0:39:35 > 0:39:38Will scours the back yard while Rebecca searches indoors.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40This is quite cool. This...
0:39:42 > 0:39:45..coal scullet...skillet thing?
0:39:45 > 0:39:47Ooh, it's got a... Oh, how nifty!
0:39:48 > 0:39:52I think that's old. I'm going to get Will.
0:39:52 > 0:39:53Will?
0:39:53 > 0:39:55Gosh, a new decisive Rebecca!
0:39:55 > 0:39:57- Yeah?- Come and have a look at this.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00- Oh?- Not sure.- Yeah. - Don't get your hopes up.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03- Oh, a little purdonium.- A purdonium
0:40:03 > 0:40:07is a type of coal scuttle named after its inventor, Mr Purdon.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09This one is £85.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12I'm just thinking, a saleroom...
0:40:12 > 0:40:16- Bit of brass...- In the middle of summer...- Let's think about it.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18It's a possibility.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20As you were. No decision.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22Let the rummaging continue.
0:40:26 > 0:40:27SHE GIGGLES
0:40:29 > 0:40:30That's a quirky item, isn't it?
0:40:31 > 0:40:33ACCORDION PLAYS
0:40:35 > 0:40:37Well, I was just thinking,
0:40:37 > 0:40:39there I am telling Becca not to look at coal purdoniums
0:40:39 > 0:40:43because it's high summer, and what am I looking at? A sledge.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51If I give Will another musical item, he'll lose all faith in me.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54But not any old sledge.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56This is what they call a flexible flyer.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59It's an American company that make these sledges
0:40:59 > 0:41:02and they've got some great steering at the front there.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08For me, that's a great thing,
0:41:08 > 0:41:12but I don't know. How's she going to take it when I tell her?
0:41:12 > 0:41:14Seasonal.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17- There's no time like the present to find out.- Oh, dear.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24Have you ever seen...
0:41:25 > 0:41:28..a sledge better than that?
0:41:28 > 0:41:30You're not impressed, are you?
0:41:30 > 0:41:33Can't say I'm feeling it.
0:41:33 > 0:41:38It's a proper bit of American folk art.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40You genuinely think we can make money on it?
0:41:40 > 0:41:41I've seen them make the money,
0:41:41 > 0:41:45- but it's just whether the market is there in Woking.- In Woking in summer!
0:41:45 > 0:41:47In summer, for a sledge.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49No, we'll leave the sledge.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52- I can tell you're not enamoured by the sledge.- No! I'm not NOT...
0:41:52 > 0:41:55If not, there is a lovely little box that I saw, a lacquered box.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58Crikey. Rebecca's struggling to decide between two items
0:41:58 > 0:42:01and Will's introducing a third?
0:42:01 > 0:42:02This is it, look.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04Hmm.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07A little Japanese lacquered box.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10- OK.- Look at the quality, look at the workmanship.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13- That's all done by hand, you know. - Is it?- Yeah.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17The box probably dates from the 1920s or '30s, and it's £22.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21Why don't I like it? What's wrong with me?
0:42:21 > 0:42:27I think this at auction, if it's picked up by the right person,
0:42:27 > 0:42:30could easily make 40, 50, maybe 60 quid.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32Really?!
0:42:32 > 0:42:34OK, well, this is hard
0:42:34 > 0:42:37- because now I really like the sled in comparison with that.- Really?
0:42:37 > 0:42:40- And what about your coal bucket? - No, I've gone off that.
0:42:40 > 0:42:41HE LAUGHS
0:42:41 > 0:42:42I'm fickle.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45Let's be clear. Rebecca has decided against the coal scuttle
0:42:45 > 0:42:47and doesn't like the lacquer box,
0:42:47 > 0:42:50but there's still trouble reaching a decision.
0:42:50 > 0:42:51We're in a dilemma, aren't we?
0:42:51 > 0:42:54- You said you were indecisive. - I'm so indecisive.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57See, I would never buy the box.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59But now I would buy the sledge. I wouldn't have before.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03- You wouldn't, would you? - No. I was like, "What? Rubbish!"
0:43:03 > 0:43:07- Oh, let's throw caution to the wind and buy the sled.- Oh...
0:43:08 > 0:43:10- Flick a coin?- Let's do the sledge!
0:43:10 > 0:43:12Yeah? Go on, then. You stay here, I'll go and get it.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17Now, there's still the crucial matter of the £48 price ticket.
0:43:17 > 0:43:21- Hello.- Hi.- Hi.- Find something?
0:43:21 > 0:43:24- Yes.- I think so.- Right.- Oh, that's the best item in the shop.
0:43:24 > 0:43:26- Is it?- I knew you'd say that.
0:43:26 > 0:43:31But, it's the height of summer. We're trying to sell a sledge.
0:43:31 > 0:43:33What's the best price you can do?
0:43:33 > 0:43:36- I could do it for 40.- Oh...
0:43:36 > 0:43:38I was thinking 30.
0:43:41 > 0:43:42I've played this game.
0:43:42 > 0:43:4535 and we've got a deal.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48Go for 33 and you'll make me really happy.
0:43:48 > 0:43:50She's good, isn't she?
0:43:50 > 0:43:51Well, I'll tell you what.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54Half of this item belongs to my colleague here,
0:43:54 > 0:43:55so what do you think?
0:43:55 > 0:43:57- 33, then.- 33!
0:43:57 > 0:44:01- WILL: Oh! Good work! - You're a sucker for a pretty face!
0:44:01 > 0:44:05Rebecca and Will have clinched their fifth and final purchase,
0:44:05 > 0:44:07reduced from £48 to £33,
0:44:07 > 0:44:12but will the scrutiny of Esther and David provoke fresh doubts
0:44:12 > 0:44:13as the teams reveal all?
0:44:13 > 0:44:15Talk them through it, Becca.
0:44:15 > 0:44:18So, beautiful vase, possibly 1920s.
0:44:18 > 0:44:22- I like that, yeah.- This is a Keith Murray for Wedgwood.
0:44:22 > 0:44:24- OK.- And we paid for that...
0:44:24 > 0:44:27- 75...- 77.
0:44:27 > 0:44:30- 77. Really?- (That's a fortune.)
0:44:30 > 0:44:33- Then this is all Becca's doing.- Yes.
0:44:33 > 0:44:36I see, you're passing the blame already, Will. Well done.
0:44:36 > 0:44:39- I like your tactics.- This is the one that's giving me nightmares.- Why?
0:44:39 > 0:44:42Because it's not particularly beautiful and it's not worth much.
0:44:42 > 0:44:43Did you pay much for it?
0:44:43 > 0:44:46We paid, for that, £22.
0:44:46 > 0:44:49- Oh, dear! - Then, down front...
0:44:49 > 0:44:51- Ooh...- Da-da-da!
0:44:51 > 0:44:53It's a sledge!
0:44:53 > 0:44:56- It is!- Oh, that looks good fun!
0:44:56 > 0:44:59It's an American piece and I have seen them make good money.
0:44:59 > 0:45:01Could I just make a point?
0:45:01 > 0:45:04Esther Rantzen is so quiet, this is unbelievable.
0:45:04 > 0:45:06- She thinks we're nuts. - She's in shock.
0:45:06 > 0:45:09- I know that expression. - Do you?- She's pulled that face
0:45:09 > 0:45:12when I've brought certain men home. It's not good!
0:45:12 > 0:45:14- Not suitable?- Not suitable!
0:45:14 > 0:45:16Come on, Esther, pass judgment on our treasure.
0:45:16 > 0:45:18I think you've tried really hard.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21- She's so polite.- No, she's not!
0:45:21 > 0:45:23- We all know what she really means. - That's really quite rude.
0:45:23 > 0:45:26Just take the opposite meaning of everything she's saying
0:45:26 > 0:45:28and there's her honest truth.
0:45:28 > 0:45:29I'm glad that is a well-known name
0:45:29 > 0:45:33because otherwise I might think they were exceptionally dull.
0:45:33 > 0:45:37I've no idea who madam is. But, but, I could be completely wrong.
0:45:37 > 0:45:39- Yeah, it's time to show yours. - Come on, then.
0:45:39 > 0:45:42Get ready to be criticised now.
0:45:42 > 0:45:44The gloves are off. Oh...
0:45:44 > 0:45:46Oh, look, they went for art!
0:45:46 > 0:45:48They've bought art.
0:45:48 > 0:45:50What have we got down there?
0:45:50 > 0:45:53- Military cigarette case.- Even I'm impressed when we unroll this.
0:45:53 > 0:45:55- OK, so... - Talk us through it.
0:45:55 > 0:45:59Now, this, every picture tells a story...
0:45:59 > 0:46:04And they're original, obviously, watercolours, and I took the view
0:46:04 > 0:46:08there would be quite a lot of grandparents at the auction
0:46:08 > 0:46:11and they might like to decorate a nursery and it would be perfect.
0:46:11 > 0:46:14I think it would look lovely in your nursery, actually.
0:46:14 > 0:46:17I'm supposed to be nasty, I'm supposed to be, "Oh, it's horrible!"
0:46:17 > 0:46:22- That is a cigarette case but it would double as a card case.- Yeah.
0:46:22 > 0:46:23It is sterling silver.
0:46:23 > 0:46:27- 60 quid.- Yeah, bang on, 55.- Yeah.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30Well, I think it's a really eclectic, interesting mix of stuff.
0:46:30 > 0:46:33- And we are now in the hands of... - The gods.- ..the auctioneer.
0:46:33 > 0:46:34Crumbs.
0:46:34 > 0:46:40With no punches pulled in public, what will they say in private?
0:46:40 > 0:46:42ESTHER: The sledge would be fine in a hotel...
0:46:42 > 0:46:45- DAVID:- In Switzerland. - Yeah, or in Scotland,
0:46:45 > 0:46:49- but Woking?- Woking, in the summer - excellent news.- Not so brilliant.
0:46:49 > 0:46:52- The tankard was peculiar, wasn't it?- Wasn't me.
0:46:52 > 0:46:55- I hate the tankard!- That was your work.- It's all my fault.
0:46:55 > 0:46:58Would you swap all of their items for all of your items?
0:46:58 > 0:47:00- No.- Good.- Absolutely not.
0:47:00 > 0:47:02Oh, come on. Fist bump it out.
0:47:02 > 0:47:04Yeah, man. Pow!
0:47:04 > 0:47:05Loving your work!
0:47:05 > 0:47:07Can't carry that off. Not street.
0:47:09 > 0:47:11As auction day dawns, Esther's raring to go.
0:47:13 > 0:47:17I am so excited about the auction. I absolutely adore auctions.
0:47:17 > 0:47:20When your father and I used to go to charity events
0:47:20 > 0:47:24and there was an auction, he had to hold me down and handcuff me
0:47:24 > 0:47:28because I would bid for everything. How are you feeling about it all?
0:47:28 > 0:47:29I've never been to an auction.
0:47:29 > 0:47:32- It's huge fun.- I am quite excited.
0:47:32 > 0:47:35Our teams are travelling from the Thames Valley
0:47:35 > 0:47:37down to a village called Send
0:47:37 > 0:47:39near Woking in Surrey.
0:47:39 > 0:47:41- It suits you.- Hello again.
0:47:41 > 0:47:45Happily, David's taste in trousers doesn't send the celebs running,
0:47:45 > 0:47:47so it's on with the show.
0:47:47 > 0:47:49- Are you an auction...- Never been.
0:47:49 > 0:47:50This is your first time?
0:47:50 > 0:47:54Anxious, because I fidget, I'm going to accidentally bid on something.
0:47:54 > 0:47:57- Oh, don't! You've got to sit on your hands and don't blink.- Don't blink?
0:47:57 > 0:48:00Because if you blink, you spend money.
0:48:01 > 0:48:04- Anything can happen. Come on. - So very true.
0:48:04 > 0:48:07The place where anything might happen today is Ewbank's
0:48:07 > 0:48:09auctions which holds quarterly antique
0:48:09 > 0:48:13and fine art auctions as well as a range of specialist sales.
0:48:13 > 0:48:16Tim Duggan is the man wielding the gavel
0:48:16 > 0:48:18so what does he think might happen?
0:48:18 > 0:48:21I think the sleigh is going to be of interest.
0:48:21 > 0:48:23It's a novelty item, it's well displayed.
0:48:23 > 0:48:26The glass vase, I quite like. It's got the certificate there.
0:48:26 > 0:48:29If I had to pick a lot - I like the silver dressing table set.
0:48:29 > 0:48:33It's very nice, very stylised, very Art Deco and I hope to get
0:48:33 > 0:48:37that away, certainly it should make 50 or £60. Tankard, yeah.
0:48:37 > 0:48:41It's a bit boring, £10 would be lucky.
0:48:41 > 0:48:44Each of our teams started with £400.
0:48:44 > 0:48:48Esther listened to David's advice then followed her own instincts.
0:48:48 > 0:48:52Somehow they managed to agree on five diverse lots
0:48:52 > 0:48:56spending a paltry total of £167.
0:48:56 > 0:48:59Rebecca convinced herself she had bad taste
0:48:59 > 0:49:03but with help from Will eventually managed to decide on her five lots
0:49:03 > 0:49:06shelling out a much heftier £232.
0:49:07 > 0:49:09As the auction gets under way,
0:49:09 > 0:49:12Will is doing nothing to soothe Rebecca's nerves.
0:49:12 > 0:49:15This is the arena.
0:49:15 > 0:49:18- Are we gladiators?- Yeah.
0:49:18 > 0:49:21First up is the World War II RAF cigarette case that stirred
0:49:21 > 0:49:23Esther's emotions.
0:49:23 > 0:49:26- Esther, this is us. - Good luck, David. Good luck, Esther.
0:49:26 > 0:49:30- RAF cigarette case hallmark for Birmingham 1939.- £20.
0:49:30 > 0:49:35It's a gift from a proud mum to a 19-year-old who has just
0:49:35 > 0:49:40joined the RAF in 1939 - just before the Battle of Britain.
0:49:40 > 0:49:42- This is a very important lot. - You sold it!
0:49:44 > 0:49:46You weren't expecting that, were you?
0:49:46 > 0:49:48I was!
0:49:48 > 0:49:51Should I say "That's Life!"
0:49:51 > 0:49:53LAUGHTER
0:49:53 > 0:49:57At 35, 40, 45, with you, sir, in the doorway.
0:49:57 > 0:50:01- Good, come on.- 65 and 70.
0:50:01 > 0:50:0575. 80. 85. £80 in the doorway.
0:50:05 > 0:50:06Standing. Looking for 85.
0:50:06 > 0:50:10At £80 for the last time.
0:50:10 > 0:50:14Aw! £80. It is a trickle.
0:50:14 > 0:50:16Thank you for the trickle.
0:50:16 > 0:50:21I call £25 profit a very reasonable start for Esther and David.
0:50:21 > 0:50:23I can't believe you did that.
0:50:23 > 0:50:25I tried to pull her down but almost got her trousers!
0:50:25 > 0:50:29- That would have been brilliant! - For the bids.
0:50:29 > 0:50:32The second lot of silver is Rebecca's Art Deco brush
0:50:32 > 0:50:35and mirror set fancied by auctioneer Tim.
0:50:35 > 0:50:39£30 for it. £30 bid. And five.
0:50:39 > 0:50:4345 now. 45. 50. 55. 60. 65.
0:50:43 > 0:50:45Surely on the internet...
0:50:45 > 0:50:49At £60. Are we all done?
0:50:49 > 0:50:54- It's not as bad as you thought. - Much better.
0:50:54 > 0:50:57A classy choice but an unlucky debut for Rebecca.
0:50:57 > 0:50:59Are you enjoying your auction experience?
0:50:59 > 0:51:01No!
0:51:01 > 0:51:05Will and Rebecca's Keith Murray for Wedgwood set is next.
0:51:05 > 0:51:08Will the bidders rate it delightful or dull?
0:51:08 > 0:51:10£100 for it.
0:51:10 > 0:51:13Don't bid! I thought you were bidding.
0:51:13 > 0:51:16- 30 if you like.- Oh!
0:51:16 > 0:51:19- It will go up.- 45. 50.
0:51:19 > 0:51:21At 50. Looking for 55.
0:51:21 > 0:51:26- 60. 65 online, if you want it. - It's online bidding.
0:51:26 > 0:51:2860 in the room. At 65.
0:51:28 > 0:51:34- Get the hammer down.- Come on, £70. Worth it. 75 online.
0:51:34 > 0:51:3675 online if you want it.
0:51:36 > 0:51:39It's gone quiet online now. At £70.
0:51:39 > 0:51:42We've made a loss!
0:51:42 > 0:51:46Yes, another small loss and a bumpy start for Rebecca.
0:51:46 > 0:51:49But this still plenty of time to turn things around.
0:51:49 > 0:51:51It's a bit of a loss, not much.
0:51:51 > 0:51:53But we haggled hard for that.
0:51:53 > 0:51:58Next up is the 19th century Imari plate found by Esther.
0:51:58 > 0:51:59£10 for it.
0:51:59 > 0:52:04- Go on, go on.- It's Japanese. £10 for it.
0:52:04 > 0:52:07He's working on their side.
0:52:07 > 0:52:11- 10 for it.- Come on. Esther, do something.
0:52:11 > 0:52:1415, I've got. And 20, madam.
0:52:14 > 0:52:18- What?!- And 25.- Come on! That's better.
0:52:18 > 0:52:21- What did we pay?- 30.
0:52:21 > 0:52:25- 25. Battle of the ladies. - Come on, you miserable lot.
0:52:25 > 0:52:28At £25. With you, madam.
0:52:28 > 0:52:30Selling to the room at £25.
0:52:32 > 0:52:35As Esther and David consolidate their lead,
0:52:35 > 0:52:38Rebecca has realised she's on the back foot.
0:52:38 > 0:52:42It's because people love you. They don't know who the hell I am.
0:52:42 > 0:52:46Rebecca and Will both liked the glass trumpet vase.
0:52:46 > 0:52:49Now they need the bidders to feel the same.
0:52:49 > 0:52:52You could use it for a hospital sample.
0:52:52 > 0:52:56- You'd know. - It looks like it already has.
0:52:56 > 0:52:58£20 for it. Bid me ten.
0:52:58 > 0:53:02You're bidding!
0:53:02 > 0:53:06Come on, surely £10 at the back. 10 is bid, I'll take 15.
0:53:06 > 0:53:09- This is criminal.- Period.
0:53:09 > 0:53:12£10 at the back.
0:53:12 > 0:53:14It's beautiful.
0:53:15 > 0:53:20- Wrong! - Calm down, calm down.
0:53:20 > 0:53:23The right people just weren't in the room, Rebecca.
0:53:23 > 0:53:27Whoever bought that, you might get a quick profit in the car park.
0:53:29 > 0:53:33After a series of losses comes the lot that worries Rebecca most.
0:53:33 > 0:53:37- The Bohemian tankard she chose.- £30. 10, if you like.
0:53:37 > 0:53:39For goodness' sake!
0:53:41 > 0:53:45- It's a nice thing.- It's beautiful.
0:53:45 > 0:53:4825 online now. Battle at 30.
0:53:48 > 0:53:50You've got a profit.
0:53:50 > 0:53:5335. Looking for 40.
0:53:53 > 0:53:5745 online. Want 50. You are out...
0:53:57 > 0:54:00- I feel sick.- Told you.
0:54:00 > 0:54:05- At £45.- Yay! - Change of tune.
0:54:08 > 0:54:09Yes!
0:54:09 > 0:54:13Rebecca's supposedly tasteless tankard comes up trumps
0:54:13 > 0:54:16- and turns around her fortunes. - Back in the game.
0:54:16 > 0:54:18It's good now, isn't?
0:54:18 > 0:54:21Ester discovered the French studio glass vase.
0:54:21 > 0:54:24Will it be a oui or a non, from the bidders?
0:54:24 > 0:54:28- £10 for it.- Come on, come on.
0:54:28 > 0:54:3125 now. 30 bid. 35.
0:54:32 > 0:54:35Just a load of...
0:54:35 > 0:54:39At 45, selling at £45.
0:54:39 > 0:54:41Formidable!
0:54:41 > 0:54:43Magnifique!
0:54:43 > 0:54:47Esther and David's profits are rising slowly but steadily.
0:54:47 > 0:54:51- We are trickling all the way. - We are leaking all the way.
0:54:51 > 0:54:53Don't fret, Rebecca.
0:54:53 > 0:54:57It may be summer in Surrey but Will has high hopes
0:54:57 > 0:54:59- for the American sledge. - £100 for it.
0:54:59 > 0:55:03Come on, a nice item, this one. £100. 50 for it.
0:55:03 > 0:55:0755, 60. 65. 70. 75.
0:55:07 > 0:55:09Looking for 80.
0:55:09 > 0:55:11It's a good lot.
0:55:11 > 0:55:15Looking for 80 anywhere. At £75. The bids are out.
0:55:15 > 0:55:17The back of the room, £75.
0:55:17 > 0:55:20- Well done.- We are pleased.
0:55:20 > 0:55:22It's all right.
0:55:22 > 0:55:25A spectacular £42 profit puts Rebecca
0:55:25 > 0:55:28and Will right back in the running.
0:55:28 > 0:55:30Now she's happy. Was she like this as a child?
0:55:30 > 0:55:33Yes. Always.
0:55:33 > 0:55:37Next up is the American rocker. Hideous, according to Esther.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39- £30 for it. £30.- Go on.
0:55:39 > 0:55:41Don't be ridiculous.
0:55:41 > 0:55:44You would have to pay me to buy that.
0:55:44 > 0:55:46- Go on.- £10. 10 bid.
0:55:46 > 0:55:50- That was 20 he was bidding.- 10 bid. - You were cheating.
0:55:50 > 0:55:53He said 20. I heard him say it.
0:55:53 > 0:55:59- Come on. Come on. Come on.- At £30, it is with you.
0:55:59 > 0:56:01He just said 40!
0:56:03 > 0:56:04Cheats!
0:56:04 > 0:56:07Someone get security!
0:56:07 > 0:56:10Yes! Go on. You realise it has no cushions.
0:56:10 > 0:56:13But how much will it be worth with cushions?
0:56:13 > 0:56:16- Selling at £40.- Well done.
0:56:18 > 0:56:22Hm, not so hideous when you consider that is a decent profit, Esther.
0:56:24 > 0:56:25- Well done.- Well done, you.
0:56:25 > 0:56:28- Wow.- Believing in the American rocker.
0:56:28 > 0:56:30Look at that look.
0:56:30 > 0:56:33Esther is banking on doting grandparents like herself to
0:56:33 > 0:56:37snap up the final lot, the four nursery pictures.
0:56:37 > 0:56:40- Good and decorative. £30. You pay that for the frame.- Go on.
0:56:40 > 0:56:44Bid me 20. 20 bid. 25 behind you.
0:56:44 > 0:56:47Come on. Come on. Come on.
0:56:47 > 0:56:4935 with the lady.
0:56:49 > 0:56:52Looking for 40. At £35.
0:56:52 > 0:56:55Stop looking down.
0:56:55 > 0:56:58- 35.- Our first loss.
0:56:58 > 0:57:00I'm glad you had one.
0:57:00 > 0:57:03Late in the day, Esther and David joined the losers club
0:57:03 > 0:57:06- but only a modest 10 down. - Share the pain.
0:57:06 > 0:57:08I wish they had had more pain.
0:57:08 > 0:57:11Good stuff, shall we hit the burger van?
0:57:11 > 0:57:13- Yes, please. - Let's do it.
0:57:13 > 0:57:17Let's check the ratio of pain to profit.
0:57:17 > 0:57:19After the agonies of indecision, Rebecca
0:57:19 > 0:57:24and Will did well with the sledge and the supposedly tacky tankard
0:57:24 > 0:57:28but after paying auction costs they made a small loss of £18.80p.
0:57:28 > 0:57:33It leaves them with a total of £381.20.
0:57:33 > 0:57:35Despite their taste war,
0:57:35 > 0:57:38Esther and David managed to acquire some solid lots
0:57:38 > 0:57:43and their profits climbed slowly but surely to £17.50 giving them
0:57:43 > 0:57:48a total of £417.50 and victory on this road trip.
0:57:48 > 0:57:51All profits, no matter how small, go to Children in Need.
0:57:51 > 0:57:55It's not about the winning or losing, it's the taking part...
0:57:56 > 0:57:59No, you always thought that, Becca, all the way through.
0:57:59 > 0:58:02I was fine. I am not at all competitive.
0:58:02 > 0:58:03No, we noticed(!)
0:58:03 > 0:58:07I think if you buy what you love it almost doesn't matter that you
0:58:07 > 0:58:12- completely crush the opposition and win...- She's going to be intolerable.
0:58:12 > 0:58:16- She's now an expert. Teeny tiny win. - Intolerable forever now.
0:58:16 > 0:58:19- You know that, don't you? - I've got to get in the car with her.
0:58:19 > 0:58:21ALL TALK OVER EACH OTHER
0:58:21 > 0:58:24Thanks for your help, David.
0:58:24 > 0:58:26- Thank you, thank you.- Goodbye!
0:58:26 > 0:58:29- It has been fun. - I've adored it.
0:58:29 > 0:58:33If somebody asked me to do a whole week of this, I would jump at it.
0:58:33 > 0:58:37So, I suppose the biggest profit we made...
0:58:37 > 0:58:39Oh, stop it!