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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Kate Lally

BBC Bargain Hunt host forced to apologise as viewers complain

A Bargain Hunt presenter was forced to apologise to buyers during Wednesday's programme, amid complaints from those watching at home.

As ever, two new teams were welcomed to the show. Married couple Ben and Mandy, both retired teachers, made up the Red Team, while Janet, who is retired, and her son Xander, an IT engineer, wore the blue jackets for this episode.

Each team was given £300 to shop at a venue in Brackley, Northamptonshire, with whoever made the biggest profit, or smallest loss, to be declared the winner.

READ MORE: Bargain Hunt item bought for £8 gets bids 'in the hundreds'

And as the auction got underway, Bargain Hunt regular Thomas Forrester was forced to issue an apology. Bill and Mandy were up first, breaking even on an oil lantern they bought for £35.

Up next their Clarice Cliff pot, bought for £85, made a £20 loss, and a Swedish glass vase they forked out £50 for sold for just £40. With a total £30 loss, they had Thomas' "Bonus Buy" on offer and were asked if they wanted to take a chance on it.

Thomas wheeled out a sack barrow, a trolley from the early 20th century. He said it "could make them a fortune", and when asked if they wanted to put it to auction, Bill said: "Why not?"

While Thomas estimated the piece could fetch up to £180, it actually sold for just £45, meaning an £85 loss and a total loss of £115 for the couple.

Bill and Mandy made a £115 loss (BBC)

Turning to Bill and Mandy, Thomas said: "Oh no, no. We can't have that. That's awful, I'm sorry".

Fans at home were clearly unimpressed, with many taking to Twitter to voice their opinions. Michael said: "No way I'd be paying £130 for that", while Simo said: "Sack trolley, no chance".

Paul said: "Sack barrow for £130? Lunacy" and Anne said: "I would have said £20 for that Thomas".

As the Blue Team made a £2 profit, they were the winners.

Bargain Hunt airs weekdays at 12.15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer

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