Fiona Bruce, the esteemed host of Antiques Roadshow, was visibly delighted during Sunday's episode of the BBC programme. The show, set against the backdrop of picturesque Dorset, featured Fiona participating in the beloved 'basic, better, best' segment.
Expert auctioneer Will Farmer put Fiona to the test with his own collection of pottery, challenging her to find the most valuable piece. The vases, crafted by the acclaimed Truda Carter, were the focus of the challenge.
Will described Truda as an 'unsung hero' of the pottery scene. As Fiona surveyed the vases on display, she pondered how to approach the task of determining their values.
The expert hinted at the significance of certain designs, remarking: "There are patterns in here that are so, so iconic to her.
"I could say the one nearest me here is the only known example in this pattern. The cheapest piece is about £150, maybe £200 on a good day. The most expensive, £8,000 to £10,000."
This revelation prompted audible reactions from the onlookers, prompting Fiona to take a closer look at the vases in hopes of identifying the priciest one, reports the Express.
In a surprising turn, Fiona approached a woman who astonishingly admitted: "I was a paintress at Poole Pottery in the Delphis department."
Overjoyed by this stroke of luck, Fiona couldn't contain her excitement, exclaiming: "I've hit the jackpot!" Will humorously conceded defeat, saying: "I'm out, that's it."
Fiona expressed her elation at having found such an invaluable source of insight for the challenge, telling those gathered: "This never happens."
The woman also revealed that her great-grandfather was a trader who often journeyed for his business.
While examining the vases, she informed Fiona that she was scrutinising their contours and forms to try and decide which held the greatest value.
Will playfully expressed his dismay to Fiona, revealing that he had dedicated weeks to orchestrating this event in hopes of presenting a real challenge.
Having made her selections regarding which she believed were the most and least valuable, it was time to see if her guesses were accurate. Fiona admitted feeling optimistic about her choices, especially after receiving some assistance from an audience member.
He responded: "You've completely stooshed me! You are 50 per cent right. All I'll say to you my good friend, had you trusted your heart, trust your taste and trust your judgement you'd have wiped the floor with me."
Fiona couldn't hide her exasperation at being only half correct, playfully gesturing towards the woman for a light-hearted scolding.
Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
