What am I bid?!

Actor Nigel Havers tells TV Times about presenting a new show from the makers of The Repair Shop

- IAN MACEWAN

THE BIDDING ROOM

NEW MON-FRI / BBC1 / 3.45PM / EPS 1-5 of 30 / LIFESTYLE

Well-proportioned with classic good looks, and a charming addition to any period setting, you could say Nigel Havers is an apt choice to present BBC1’s brand-new antiques show, The Bidding Room!

From the makers of The Repair Shop, the daytime series sees Nigel welcoming people with items to sell, who are then given advice by valuation expert Simon Bowers before haggling with five experienced antique dealers.

TV Times caught up with the ever-youthful Nigel, 68, best known for The Charmer, Chariots of Fire and, more recently, playing con man Lewis Archer in Coronation Street, to find out more…

Did anything in particular on the show catch your eye?

There were a few items I fancied for myself, but I’m not allowed to bid, unfortunately. In any case, my wife, Georgie, told me, ‘You’re not to buy anything!’

Is this the sort of programme you like to watch yourself?

I do watch shows like this, as I’ve been collecting antiques for many years. I collect all sorts – anything that tickles my fancy – and as a result my house is far too full of stuff. I could make a whole series just about that!

What are the pros of appearing as yourself on television?