The premise of Bargain Hunt remains comfortingly familiar: two teams, armed with modest budgets and questionable taste, scour antique fairs for hidden treasures. This time, the battlefield is Naseby, Northamptonshire, a fitting locale given the competitive spirit of the teams. What sets this episode apart? The contestants are best friends, a recipe for either heartwarming camaraderie or passive-aggressive sniping – and Bargain Hunt rarely disappoints on the drama front.
The red team, Owen and Sayer, guided by expert Thomas Forrester, seem to favor a cautious approach, balking at a pricey gramophone. Meanwhile, the blue team, Kennedy and Matt, with Irita Marriott at the helm, are drawn to the siren song of a vintage accordion. Whether these choices are strokes of genius or disastrous missteps will be determined under the gavel of auctioneer Tim Weeks in Wiltshire.
As the teams engage in their treasure-hunting escapades, presenter Christina Trevanion takes a detour into the world of vintage automobiles, even snagging a ride in a hot rod with collector Mike Garrett.
The real tension, of course, lies in the auction. The preview hints at a “shock” for one team, a classic Bargain Hunt cliffhanger designed to keep us watching. Will it be elation or crushing disappointment? Will friendships survive the crucible of competitive bargain hunting? Tune in to find out. One thing’s for sure; someone’s going home with a boot full of questionable knick-knacks.
Bargain Hunt airs Friday, January 10, 2025, at 12:15 PM on BBC One.
