Bargain Hunt star dies just hours after filming his episode
His episode aired on Friday.
A star of BBC’s Bargain Hunt has died, it has been confirmed.
Stuart Withers died just hours after filming his episode, which was broadcast on Friday.
He appeared in the long-running game show, which has aired for 70 series, alongside presenter Charlie Ross and experts Tim Weeks and Philip Serrell.
Confirming the sad news of his death, the official Bargain Hunt X account wrote: ‘Following the filming of today’s episode in Shepton Mallet, antiques seller Stuart Withers very sadly passed away.
‘We send our sincerest sympathies and condolences to Mr Withers’ family and friends.’
Withers’ episode was filmed in Shepton Mallet, Somerset.
Stuart Withers’ episode aired on Friday (Picture: BBC)No further details have been shared about how he died.
Responding to the announcement of Withers’ death, viewers expressed their sadness.
‘So very sad just watched this episode now, offering my condolences’, wrote X user @Jo2911 as the episode aired.
@SUEMARSHALL1 replied: ‘So sad RIP’.
As for his role in the episode, Withers assisted the Blue Team as they looked to spend their last remaining £75.
As they debated going for a pair of Royal Doulton ceramic pieces, seller Withers told them: ‘The only two that I think you’d have a chance with are the small fox or that hare. I could do them for about £40 (each).’
Withers died just hours after filming took place (Picture: BBC)Expert Weeks then tried bargaining with Withers, asking if there was any wiggle room to remain inside the £75 budget.
Agreeing, Withers gave them both items.
In a devastating update, this is not the first death of a BBC antiques show star.
In October last year, Flog It! antique specialist Michael Baggott suffered a fatal heart attack at the age of 51.
His death was announced publicly in January, with a statement reading: ‘Heartbroken to share that Michael died yesterday in hospital of a heart attack following a stroke in October,’ the post read.
‘He was a dearly loved son, brother, nephew and uncle who will be deeply and profoundly missed. There will be a memorial service in the coming weeks, the details of which will be shared here.’
Tributes poured in from viewers after the announcement was made on social media (Picture: X)Additionally, in 2023, a visitor to Bargain Hunt tragically died before his episode made it to screens.
Named David, the participant appeared on the show alongside his daughter, Vicky, with experts Izzie Balmer and Nick Hall.
Dedicating a sweet tribute to him, Balmer said: ‘David, you were a lovely, kind, caring, and friendly person with a great sense of humour’.
She hailed him as a ‘true gent’ and said she ‘loved’ filming with him.
‘You (and Vicky) were both great fun, and I hold fond memories of our time together.’
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