BBC Bargain Hunt star dies shortly after filming episode as antiques show issues heartbreaking statement
A Bargain Hunt antiques seller who featured in a recent instalment of the show has died, the BBC show has announced.
Stuart Withers appeared in Friday’s episode which was broadcast on March 21, alongside presenter Charlie Ross, and experts Tim Weeks and Philip Serrell.
The programme was filmed in Shepton Mallet, with the BBC later confirming that Withers had died after the recording.
The sad news was shared by the show’s official social media account and marks the second time in recent years that a Bargain Hunt participant has died before their appearance on the programme made it to air.
No details have been provided about the circumstances or timing of Withers’ death.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, the Bargain Hunt account posted a heartfelt message about the antiques seller’s passing.
Following the filming of today’s episode in Shepton Mallet, antiques seller Stuart Withers (pictured left with Tim Weeks) very sadly passed away. We send our sincerest sympathies and condolences to Mr Withers’ family and friends. pic.twitter.com/FCGmTyoBiG
— Bargain Hunt (@BBCBargainHunt) March 21, 2025
“Following the filming of today’s episode in Shepton Mallet, antiques seller Stuart Withers very sadly passed away,” the statement read.
The BBC show added: “We send our sincerest sympathies and condolences to Mr Withers’ family and friends.”
The announcement was accompanied by a photo of Withers with presenter Weeks from the episode.
Withers appeared in Friday’s episode to assist the Blue Team as they looked to spend their last £75 on a hidden gem.
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The antiques seller caught the eye of Weeks and the two contestants when they weighed up the potential resell value of two Royal Doulton ceramic pieces.
As the team pondered what they could afford, Withers told them: “The only two that I think you’d have a chance with are the small fox or that hare. I could them for about £40 (each).”
Weeks then put Withers on the spot as he tried to barter with the seller, asking if he’d sell them both for the £75 budget.
Withers gave in and decided to sell to the duo, although the Blue Team didn’t exactly reap the rewards of the deal.
At auction, the pieces Withers sold to the pair only fetched £45, resulting in a £30 loss for Weeks and his team.
The episode featuring Withers had already been completed and was broadcast as scheduled on Friday afternoon.
Fans of the show quickly responded to the announcement with messages of sympathy and support.
One viewer commented: “So very sad just watched this episode now, offering my condolences.”
Others shared their feelings through heart and angel wing emojis on the social media post.
This is not the first time the BBC show has faced such a sad situation with its participants.
In 2023, Bargain Hunt announced that a contestant named David had died before his episode was broadcast.
David had appeared on the programme alongside his daughter Vicky.
At the time, Bargain Hunt shared on social media: “Since today’s episode of Bargain Hunt was filmed, David has sadly passed away.”
The show extended condolences to “his daughter and team mate Vicky, his wife Joyce and all his family and friends.”
Show expert Izzie Balmer paid a touching tribute to David, describing him as a “kind, caring and friendly person with a great sense of humour.”
She added: “I loved filming with you and Vicky, you were both great fun and I hold fond memories of our time together.”
Balmer concluded her tribute with: “Sending my condolences to you Vicky and to your family, lots of love x.” (sic)