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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Louis Chilton

BBC pays tribute as Bargain Hunt personality dies after filming new episode

Stuart Withers, an antiques seller featured on the BBC’s Bargain Hunt, died shortly after filming a new episode.

The broadcaster announced the news on X/Twitter, shortly after airing the episode in Shepton Mallet, Somerset.

“Following the filming of today's episode in Shepton Mallet, antiques seller Stuart Withers very sadly passed away,” said the official Bargain Hunt account.

“We send our sincerest sympathies and condolences to Mr Withers' family and friends.”

The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Fans of the show shared tributes to Withers on social media, with one person writing: “So very sad just watched this episode now, offering my condolences."

Stuart Withers (left) on 'Bargain Hunt' (BBC)

Withers’s death comes just weeks after the passing of Michael Baggott, an antiques dealer who featured on the BBC series Flog It!.

The news was confirmed in a statement on his X/Twitter account, with the BBC subsequently paying tribute on social media.

“Heartbroken to share that Michael died yesterday in hospital of a heart attack following a stroke in October,” the statement read.

“He was a dearly loved son, brother, nephew and uncle who will be deeply and profoundly missed.”

Baggott appeared on the BBC’s popular antiquing series Flog It!, offering expertise around antique British silver, boxes and early spoons.

Rob Unsworth, head of BBC daytime and early peak commissioning, described Baggott as “one of Flog It's most memorable characters, expert in all manner of collectables”, and who had an “unrivalled knowledge and enthusiasm for antique spoons and silver”.

"Though the series hasn't been in production for several years, we hope Michael's family can take comfort from how much viewers have continued to enjoy his appearances on this ever-popular show,” he added.

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