Fiona Bruce, the former BBC News At Ten newsreader, recently discussed the idea of diversifying the viewership of Antiques Roadshow in a podcast interview. During the conversation with her radio co-star Jane Garvey, they jokingly suggested that introducing categories such as rare Nike trainers from the 1980s or 1990s could attract a brand new audience to the show. Fiona playfully speculated that this move could even lead to the show being aired on BBC Three, a channel known for its unconventional programming. Despite the humorous tone, Fiona admitted that she had previously featured trainers on the show and found it fascinating how they had become a sought-after item, even though some collectors purchased them without the intention of wearing or selling them. While Fiona laughed off the idea of modernizing the show, it seems that she may have taken the advice to heart, as the show later featured a segment on trainers.
During the summer of 2023, a guest on a popular TV show showcased a pair of vintage trainers from his extensive collection. These particular trainers were a rare find, dating back to 1992 and were a collaboration between Reebok and McLaren for championship races. With their historical significance, it was no surprise that the guest’s Nike Air Jordans, which were several decades old, were valued at an impressive £850 – more than seven times their original price.
The host, Fiona, posed an interesting question to the guest: “Do you think these trainers could become valuable antiques in the future?” The guest confidently responded, stating that these trainers rarely decrease in value and a specific group of collectors would be willing to pay around £3-4K for them.
However, not everyone watching the show was convinced of the trainers’ worth. Social media users took to Twitter to express their skepticism, considering the presence of trainers on an antique show to be a “red flag.” Some even humorously suggested that the next item to be showcased might be an old Dominos Pizza box.
In other news from the Antiques Roadshow, a fortunate collector managed to save a valuable set of baseball cards just in time before a tornado destroyed her home. These cards were not only collectible but also held significant monetary value.
Additionally, a seemingly “terrible” Spiderman comic surprised everyone when it was appraised at a staggering value of tens of thousands of pounds. This unexpected valuation left both the collector and the audience astonished.
As always, the Antiques Roadshow continues to uncover hidden treasures and surprising valuations, captivating viewers with its unique blend of history and excitement.
