Antiques Roadshow's Fiona Bruce makes announcement minutes into show

Edinburgh Live

10 hours ago

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During the latest episode of Antiques Roadshow, viewers witnessed host Fiona Bruce deliver a special announcement just minutes into the programme.
As the BBC programme commenced, which recently saw one item get a huge valuation, audiences observed footage from the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, home to more than 400 memorials honouring those who served in the armed forces and civilian organisations.
A voiceover from Fiona could be heard before she appeared on screen as she said: "On the 8th of May 1945, celebrations broke out across the country to mark the end of the Second World War in Europe.
"But for many, this was just the beginning of the end. Germany and Italy may have been defeated, but the war against Japan was to rage on for another three months."
The BBC presenter outlined that the programme was visiting Staffordshire for this special edition, exploring tales from WWII in what was then referred to as the far east, reports the Express.
(Image: BBC)
Nevertheless, before the show properly commenced, Fiona revealed there would be a significant format alteration from what viewers are accustomed to.
She said: "Given the very personal and moving stories you're going to hear, our experts won't be offering any valuations on the items you'll be seeing.
"To the owners, these things are priceless, and they offer a poignant insight into some of the darkest events of our past."
Meanwhile, the BBC presenter detailed how the conflict in the Far East and the Second World War concluded following the deployment of the 'ultimate weapon', the atomic bomb.
(Image: BBC)
Fiona continued: "Two atomic bombs were dropped by the US on the Japanese mainland in August 1945.
"Since then, victory over Japan, or VJ Day, has been marked on August 15. 80 years on in a special commemorative episode, we'll relive key moments from the conflict, through the items you've shared with us."
Throughout the programme, expert Siobhan Tyrrell became fascinated when speaking to two gentlemen about the 'rare' artefact they owned, which had been preserved by a serviceman stationed in Burma at the outbreak of hostilities.
The pair possessed an original newspaper cutting from the Rangoon Gazette, printed the day following the Japanese assault on the American naval fleet at Pearl Harbor.
(Image: BBC)
Keen to understand how they acquired the piece, one gentleman revealed they discovered it amongst their late father's belongings, explaining that he had never discussed his wartime experiences with them.
He disclosed that his father served with the RAF and was deployed to Burma from 1941.
The sons also uncovered that within their father's effects was a photographic album chronicling his complete wartime journey.
Siobhan remarked: "Isn't it great that he managed to keep this! I can't imagine that there are many that have survived and it's just an amazing record."
Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.