BBC daytime star ditches broadcaster for Channel 5 as he launches rival show
PRESENTER Paul Martin has turned his back on the BBC to launch a rival series on Channel 5.
The antiques expert, 54, has hosted Flog It!, Trust Me I'm A Dealer, Paul Martin's Handmade Revolution, Street Auction, Make Me A Dealer and Curiosity on the Beeb since launching his TV career with the broadcaster in 2002.
But his latest series, Antiques Showdown, launches on C5 next week. The fast-paced show sees contestants compete in games including Jackpot Duel and Flip For Profit as Paul battles local dealers across the UK.
It will air for an hour on weekday evenings for more than a month.
Paul said: "I was very privileged and honoured to be asked by Channel 5 to front an exciting new antiques programme for them. It's very exciting.
"We have a valuation day in a historic building somewhere around the UK. We try to vary it up and go to different regions, which is quite exciting and nice.
"It's kind of armchair travel for the viewers at home.
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"We go to a stately home, a museum or a civic centre or a town hall, members of the public turn up and they bring in their items and get a free evaluation.
"If they're happy with their evaluation and want to sell their item and we are happy to take it, we'll accept it. Sometimes we have to reject items because we think they won't sell.
"Then there are more rounds where I’m pitted against the expert for the week before we head to auction!
"There's some highs and lows in every show, so it's good, because there's a twist."
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Paul even has a go at being an auctioneer in the show.
He said: "I was very nervous at times, but you're there to do a job to sell things.
“I don't backpedal too often, I don't give things away - It's not a charity and I won't sell anything for any less than I think the owner would be happy with.
"It was a real joy being on the rostrum, a real twist to my career, but there's room for improvement - by the next series I'm going to be a good auctioneer!”
Paul Martin's Antiques Showdown airs on weekdays from Monday 22 May at 4pm on Channel 5. TV Mag is free inside The Sun every Saturday.
