Bargain Hunt star issues warning over ‘serious problem’ before team's staggering loss

On Monday's instalment of Bargain Hunt, BBC viewers were taken to Wetherby Racecourse where two teams were given £300 to try and find three items to make a profit at auction.

By Tianna Corbin, TV reporter

Bargain Hunt item makes a big loss for team

During the latest episode of Bargain Hunt, BBC viewers were introduced to the red team, married couple Angela and Lee and mother and daughter-in-law Jean and Emma. Both groups were given a certain amount to spend, with each team being set a challenge by host Charlie Ross.

However, it was Emma’s splurge that caused a stir with fans of the show and auctioneer James Lewis. Opting to blow a lot of their budget on a brass Budai for £200, the antiques expert was stunned.

Ahead of the auction, Charlie spoke to James to get his thoughts on the item. Inspecting it, James commented: “Not a lot of age to it, it’s got a decent hardwood stand and it’s got a look.”

Admitting he thought it would sell for around £40 to £60, Charlie confessed: “They paid £200 for it, you think that will be a problem?” He replied: “That’s a serious problem.”

When it came down to the bidding, it wasn’t a great start for the mother and daughter-in-law as James started offers at £35. However, it was clear many people in the room weren’t keen on the item.

Bargain Hunt James White

James White was stunned at how much one Bargain Hunt team spent (Image: BBC)

Realising it wasn’t going to sell for a lot, Jean rested her head on her daughter-in-law’s shoulder as she commented: “Oh Emma!”

As James managed to get the offers up slightly, he noticed a sharp decline in interest as he quipped: “Oh no…”

Selling it for a total of £60, Charlie pointed out it was a loss of £145 after buying it for £200. Clearly embarrassed with the amount, Jean and Emma awkwardly chucked before moving on to their bonus buy.

Bargain Hunt blue team

One team spent £200 on one item - and it didn't pay off (Image: BBC)

In the end, it was the red team that won the episode with a loss of only £7, compared to the blue team who lost £115.

Charlie commented: “I’m afraid it’s the Budai isn’t it?”

Expert David Harper quipped: “The irony is Budai is the god of wealth!” It wasn’t long before viewers took to Twitter to share their thoughts on their staggering loss.

Bargain Hunt Buddha

The item ended up causing the team to have a huge loss (Image: BBC)

@ChrisHydeCoope1 commented: “Anyone could see it wouldn't make 200!!”

@AngelasGrowler added: “£200 for that Buddha [shocked emoji faces]”

@YTVChase wrote: “It was looking well dodgy for the Reds until the Blues dropped 200 notes on the Garden Centre Buddha.”

Bargain Hunt continues weekdays on BBC One from 12:15pm

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