'I'm an Antiques Roadshow star and scary rule means we can never touch guests' items'

An star has confirmed the one "terrifying" rule that means appraisers are never allowed to touch an item brought on the programme by a guest. The rule was apparently implemented after a series of on-set accidents - meaning that if you're expecting an appraiser to get hands-on, you might be disappointed.

Reddit user u/wellmeomy explained they worked as a volunteer on the programme, encouraging fans to ask questions about their experience. They explained that producers "explicitly" told them that no handling of the items was allowed, as valuables had previously been dropped and broken.

They said: "There were several instance where owners dropped their objects, one woman dropped a vase that was valued at a couple grand... She flipped. We were told explicitly by the producers to not touch ANY of the guests' items, even if the owners were asking for assistance."

The volunteer, who worked on the US version of the show airing on PBS, added: "The appraisers do not offer to buy items on the spot, because it would be totally unprofessional. They may express interest though. All the guests at the event are encouraged to pick up the appraisers' business cards, which are all set out on a huge table as the guests leave the event. Not all appraisers leave their cards though."

One guest on the show has also shared that her appraisal experience "did not happen" as she expected. Lisa, who goes by the username Heirloom Explorer, wrote on her blog: "I expected that being on Antiques Roadshow would be an educational experience.

"After all, participants have the unique opportunity to engage with experts who share their knowledge and expertise, shedding light on the item's history, craftsmanship, and cultural context. This did not happen."

She was keen to find out who the artist of her painting was, after being unable to decipher the signature. But she was disappointed as the name 'John T. Hery' and the date 1-20-22 were both ignored, which had been handwritten on the cardboard frame backing.

She said: "My excitement quickly faded. With one quick glimpse (and not even a glimpse at the signature that was mostly blocked by the frame), the appraiser surmised: 'A late 19th-century tourist painting by an unknown artist - possibly Dutch'. And with that, the first item's appraisal was over."