Popular BBC show hosted by Fiona Bruce renewed for a whopping 13th series
The art detectives seek to find out the artistic gems amidst a sea of crafty copies.
ART sleuths Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould are set to return to our screens to uncover more art world mysteries.
Journalist Fiona is known for her role presenting Antiques Roadshow and Philip is a renowned art dealer.
They will both be back on our screens for a new series of Fake or Fortune.
The aim of the show is for the art detectives to find out the artistic gems amidst a sea of crafty copies.
In the 12th series, currently available on BBC iPlayer, artist Jeffrey Kroll believed that a chrysanthemum painting he inherited was by Piet Mondrian, a pioneer of abstract art.
But the team had to prove that it was an original – as there are many imitations on the market.
Fake or Fortune is now in its 13th series and was originally developed back in 2009 by Nicky Illis.
Nicky produced and directed ten series before passing away aged 53 after a battle with cancer.
The return of the show will be bittersweet for Fiona and the team, who are still mourning the loss of Nicky.
Fiona said: “Earlier this year we lost a much loved friend and colleague, Nicky Illis.
“Nicky was a brilliant TV director with a passion for art, and was involved in Fake or Fortune from the very beginning. She will be so missed.”
Viewers can catch up with previous episodes on BBC iPlayer.
Antiques Roadshow presenters through the years
Antiques Roadshow launched all the way back in 1979 and has become a staple BBC programme. Here is a look at those who have hosted the show over the years.
- Bruce Parker (1979): Journalist and presenter Bruce Parker was the original host of Antiques Roadshow when the programme debuted.
- Angela Rippon (1979): Broadcaster and former newsreader Angela Rippon briefly took up the hosting reins in 1979.
- Arthur Negus (1979-1983): The first long-term presenter, the television personality and antiques expert had a four-year stint with the show. He died in 1985, two years after leaving Antiques Roadshow.
- Hugh Scully (1981-2000): Hugh, a journalist, radio and television presenter, is the longest-serving presenter of Antiques Roadshow. He died in 2015, at the age of 72.
- Michael Aspel (2000-2008): Retired presenter and newsreader Michael Aspel hosted Antiques Roadshow for eight years. He is also known for his work on shows including This Is Your Life and Crackerjack.
- Fiona Bruce (2008 – present): The current host, journalist, newsreader and presenter Fiona joined the BBC show in 2008. She remains the ongoing presenter to this day.
Fake Or Fortune series 12 is currently airing on BBC1 showing on Thursdays at 8pm, or stream it on BBCiPlayer