This Sunday, “Antiques Roadshow” offers a poignant departure from its usual format, commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a special episode filmed in historically significant locations. Host Fiona Bruce guides viewers through Karlshorst in Berlin, the site of Germany’s final surrender, adding a layer of historical context to the program’s typical appraisals.
The episode features personal stories from those who lived through the war, including RAF pilot Colin Bell, codebreaker Hazel Halter, and RAF ground crew member Jake Jacob. Their recollections offer a first hand account of the period, providing a window into the experiences of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. Adding another perspective, Hans Muncheberg, a German soldier, reflects on the devastating impact of Nazi ideology, adding a nuanced understanding to the historical narrative.
Beyond the expert valuations, “Antiques Roadshow” reveals the human stories behind wartime artifacts. Mark Smith shares photographs capturing the arrival of British troops at Bergen-Belsen, while Adam Schoon presents a yellow star worn by a Jewish prisoner, later gifted to a Canadian soldier. These personal objects become powerful symbols of resilience, loss, and remembrance. The special airs Sunday, 4 May at 8:00 PM GMT on BBC One.
