FILM crews from a TV show rocked up at an antiques centre to see what treasures they could find.

Braintree Antiques Centre played host to the Antiques Road Trip team on Saturday during filming for an episode of the popular BBC series.

The centre welcomed a new mystery female presenter, whose identity is being kept under wraps by bosses at the BBC show.

Manager Tom Bosher gave her a tour of the site and helped her pick out a bargain before filming got under way.

Mr Bosher said: “It was filmed in a coronavirus-free environment so there were no face masks thankfully.

“We were still social distancing but they wanted to make it less obvious it was being filmed during a global pandemic.

“It’s going to be broadcast at a later date when hopefully the situation is a little better. No-one will want reminding of what a terrible year it has been.

“It was great to be able to welcome the new presenter for what was one of her first trips out.

“She ended up choosing a £15 Coalport biscuit barrel which she estimates will make £50 to £60 at auction.

“She also spent a couple of hundred pounds for her own personal collection.

“She promised to come back in a few weeks to get some more which is a good sign that we’ve got a few gems here.”

The episode is expected to be broadcast at some point in the new year.

It was the fifth time the centre, in Bocking End, has welcomed the Antiques Road Trip film crew.

Last year, Penny Lancaster was part of the team who were filming the celebrity version of the show.

She snapped up a bargain mirror for husband and pop legend Sir Rod Stewart.

Despite switching back to the regular version of the series this year, Mr Bosher admits there was still excitement in the centre ahead of filming.

He said: “It’s always good fun having them film here and you still get that buzz.

“It was a welcome change to all the doom and gloom.

“We were shut for several months because of the pandemic so this has been a nice distraction.

“It’s the fifth time I’ve been on the programme but I still find it nerve-wracking every time.

“You don’t want to be that idiot that messes up on TV.”

Mr Bosher added: “We seem to be a popular venue for the show and they seemed really pleased with how filming went.

“I think it’s the variety we have on offer here that they like.

“We have the weird and the wonderful and they always seem to find a bargain or two.

“Obviously it’s fantastic for us and the area as well because all of our antiques come from people in the area.”