VOICEOVER (VO): Some of the nation's favorite celebrities... What if we were to say 150 for the two?

Then you've got yourself a deal.

VO: ..one antiques expert each... See what I've got in store for you!

ANTON: # Da da da-da da-da... # CHARLES: I like it, I like it!

VO: ..and one big challenge - who can seek out and buy the best antiques at the very best prices... To see you, nice.

(THEY LAUGH) VO: ..and auction for a big profit further down the road?

VO: Who will spot the good investments?

Who will listen to advice?

What you've just come out with there, I cannot believe that!

VO: And who will be the first to say, "Don't you know who I am?!"

VO: Time to put your pedal to the metal.

This is Celebrity Antiques Road Trip!

Yeah!

VO: Welcome to Edinburgh... ..setting for a road trip to remember, and not just for the witty banter, sparkling repartee and eye-catching antiques.

It might be wet, it might be windy, but it's still going to be a fantastic fight to the finish to see which of our celebrity teams can make the most of their £400 spending money.

Can you recognize who it is?

Haven't a clue?

Let's get in the car.

It's Jon Culshaw and Debra Stephenson.

VO: Impressionist extraordinaire... JON (JC): You'll have to speak up.

VO: ..Jon possesses an uncanny ability to become other people...

So let's see what they fetch at the auction.

VO: ..and has poked gentle fun at virtually every personality on the planet.

VO: And sitting pretty next to Jon is actress and comedienne Debra Stephenson.

Well known for her roles on TV's Bad Girls and Coronation Street, she's definitely game for a challenge.

DEBRA (DS): I don't know anything about antiques.

My mother-in-law does.

She's a whiz, and she lives in Scotland.

JC: Ah!

DS: But I...

I don't think I'll be allowed to go in and ask for her help, and I don't suppose I'll need to, really, because we've got our own experts, haven't we?

We do, we do have experts.

VO: Erm... that's debatable!

MARK (MS): Smile, Thomas!

Smile for the camera!

THOMAS (TP): What are you doing?

I'm trying to get the windscreen... TP: Stop... MS: ..and they don't work.

Oh, you've... Oh, you've done it, you've done it!

There we are, you see, Thomas.

They just needed my touch.

VO: Behaving like excitable schoolboys at the prospect of meeting their celebrities... (LAUGHTER) VO: I know that laugh!

It's Mark Stacey, who, despite a hefty 25 years in the antiques trade, specializing in porcelain, silver and retro, has never lost his boundless boyish enthusiasm when it comes to collecting.

(LAUGHS) VO: Good teeth too.

And at the wheel of the dinky 1960s Morris Minor, and often mistaken for a jolly literary character... MS: You're like Billy Bunter.

VO: ..it's Thomas Plant, who started out as a lowly porter then rose through the ranks, to become chief in-house valuer, with an impressive knowledge of silver, jewelry, and... erm... collectable toys.

Gosh!

TP: So I'm quite excited.

MS: I'm very excited.

Do you think they're gonna do impressions of us?

Well, I doubt they'll do one of you, Thomas.

I think they could do one of me, as I've got quite a distinctive voice.

TP: You have got a unique voice.

MS: You... you... You are sort of just... well... What am I?

Just what?

Boring?

Yeah.

Oh, that is so unkind!

VO: Our teams will kick off in Scotland's capital city, then head southwards, finally ending up at an auction showdown in Loughton, Essex.

As Jon struggles to make his escape from the tartan red late '60s Triumph Spitfire...

It's like the car's giving birth to you.

VO: Everyone rallies round to help deliver him from its clutches.

DS: It's a boy!

JC: Hello there!

Nice to meet you.

JC: Oh, hello there.

TP: Hello, I'm Thomas.

Oh, let me just get my bearings.

(THEY LAUGH) It didn't want to let you go.

It didn't.

Clearly that's the car for you.

VO: Aye, aye.

I think Debra has a car strategy here.

When I was a kid - and when I say kid, I mean a teenager - and sort of 17 and learning to drive, this would have been my absolute ideal car.

I wanted a Morris Minor convertible.

VO: Aha.

Debra's after the Morris Minor and Mark seems to have a problem with the Triumph.

I find getting in and out of those low cars MS: is very difficult.

TP: Do you?

Is it your age?

(THEY LAUGH) VO: So, the teams are decided.

I'll be DCI Gene Hunt and you can be Sam Tyler.

VO: Ha!

And off they head in convoy to their first shop.

Debra's with Mark and John's with Thomas in the Spitfire - and they sound worried already.

TP: I am concerned about the other duo behind us.

JC: Oh OK. TP: I mean, I think... JC: What should we be watching out for?

TP: I just think... well, I don't know.

I think there's going to be stiff competition.

VO: Well, we're about to find out, aren't we?

JC: There we are, we've landed.

TP: Well done.

JC: Good old Bessie.

We're getting there first.

VO: First stop is Courtyard Antiques, run by Lewis Rosa.

JC: My name's Maximus Decimus Meridius.

MS: I think we'll get in, shall we?

DS: Yeah.

Can't have them grabbing all the bargains.

JC: Can you hear me?

TP: I can hear you.

I'm speaking from many centuries ago.

Should we leave the boys down the stairs?

Yes.

Let's go up and see what's up here.

We can have a good rummage up here before they get a chance.

VO: Sounds like a plan and with both teams itching to spend their £400, there's no time to lose.

DS: Nothing's leaping out.

MS: No, it's not actually, is it?!

No.

VO: I wonder, are the boys having better luck downstairs?

JC: Couple of things I've spotted.

Erm... One of them could be this, this little banker's lamp.

Somebody might think, "Oh, that might look nice in my house," and they might...

They might sort of buy it.

VO: Art deco began in Paris in the 1920s and the lamp is a fine example of the style.

You can't go wrong with a lamp.

You can't go wrong with it and I like the original glass shade, that's really good.

VO: A fine lamp indeed, but also a blinding price.

It's 180 quid.

TP: That's alright, we can work at that.

JC: Oh we'll work at that.

OK. TP: We'll work at that.

VO: Has the spotlight shone on anything for Debra?

DS: Actually, this is quite nice.

MS: That's a set for 12.

DS: That's a really good tea set.

You see, they look quite old, don't they?

Yeah, what do you think though?

But I don't think they are.

The pattern is called Gainsborough and then it's Queen Anne China.

What do you think, 1950s?

Do you know, you're absolutely right.

VO: So, although styled to look older, it's actually mid 20th century, making it more vintage than antique.

Do you like it though?

I do, and a lot of the ladies I know, a lot of my friends, are really into having coffee mornings so I think it's something that even if it's not old and valuable, it's definitely something that... people would like and enjoy using.

I think it, you know, it's not a useless item.

VO: I don't think it's Mark's cup of tea.

DS: Moving on.

MS: Moving on, shall we?

DS: Yeah.

MS: It is all the... Do you think they've bought loads of stuff downstairs?

Oh, I doubt it.

I doubt it.

I know Thomas too well.

VO: Thomas you might know but you've not reckoned with the impetuous nature of Jon Culshaw.

The other thing I spotted was this.

TP: Oh yeah, the Voigtlander.

JC: A Voigtlander.

JC: Voigtlander camera, with the viewfinder in there.

JC: Yeah.

TP: On its tripod.

It's quite decorative.

Mm.

That would have a certain charm to it.

VO: Voigtlander is one of the oldest names in optical and photographic equipment, originally established in Vienna in the 18th century.

This model, the Brillant, dates from the 1930s.

JC: Another thing I've spotted... TP: Oh yeah, yeah, here we go, here we go.

I'm on a bit of a roll.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's great.

VO: Jon is definitely getting the hang of this antiques buying lark whilst upstairs, Mark is forced to look to the heavens for inspiration.

You know, sometimes it's almost worth... ..looking above your head in places like this as well.

Oh yeah.

Oh, look at that chair.

Oh, it's got a little faced people on it.

It's got loads of faced people on it.

Oh yeah.

I think that's rather funky, don't you?

I don't like it.

It's not about that, it's about what might appeal to somebody else you see as well.

I mean, it's kind of ugly because the faces of these gargoyley things are so ugly and then they've got breasts and protruding stomachs and sort of taily things and... eurgh.

It's freaking me out actually.

I think we need to get you into a darkened room, do you?

Oh no!

You're getting all excited!

It's horrible!

But I think it's got something about it, Debra.

Seriously.

(HUMS: 'The Twilight Zone' Theme) No, I think it has, you know.

OK, well I trust you on that!

Oh no, I hate those words Be it on your head!

Oh, no!

Cuz then it all goes wrong.

It all goes wrong when you say that!

VO: Oh, Mark, surely not!

JC: Well, the other thing I've spotted... TP: You're on a bit of a roll, really.

Yeah.

Just... you've just got to let things filter to you, haven't you?

Er...

I like copper.

Erm... polished up, it always looks... you know, very impressive.

This copper mirror here... Yep?

I could just imagine somebody buying that.

I could just imagine people going for it.

VO: Jon, you definitely have an eye for this but an expensive one - that mirror is a hefty £160.

So, we've spotted a couple of things.

JC: Yeah.

TP: Jon, has.

Voigtlander camera on the tripod... and then the lamp.

DEALER: What were you thinking?

I...

I'm scared to ask what you were thinking of!

This is where the Dominic Littlewood , er, personality comes in.

(AS DOMINIC LITTLEWOOD) OK, beautiful lamp.

£180.

We'd like you to perhaps do a little bit better than that.

What if we were to say..?

What if we was to take the "1" off?

What if we were to say 80, and you got a deal right there and now?

MS: (LAUGHS) I think it would be easier if I just said the very best price... ..which would be 120.

TP: And the Voigtlander?

DEALER: (SIGHS) £40?

VO: Watch out Lewis - here comes Dominic Littlewood again!

That would make a total of 160.

So, OK, you're a nice man, running a wonderful shop here.

What if we were to say 150 for the two, then you've got yourself a deal?

Wh... Wh...

Hang on a minute!

OK.

Calm down!

JC: Right, OK. TP: Calm down!

I think you're doing very well.

I... You see, this is why I need to be advised.

(AS OBI-WAN KENOBI) I am a young Jedi in this craft.

You have forgotten the figure I said.

It is gone from your mind.

VO: I don't blame you, Lewis - I've forgotten it too.

I'd like to give you 120 for both.

VO: Ooh, boys... No.

TP: No?

DEALER: No.

VO: ..you'll need more than a Jedi mind trick to win Lewis over, who appears to have a trick of his own, involving a copper mirror.

If we could come to a price on this mirror that you are happy with, and then I could reflect on what you said about those things.

Three items... £200 the lot.

VO: Wow, £200!

That's half your budget!

No.

But could we not talk about 80 for this, then?

That's another tenner.

VO: Oh, Lordy!

I'm going to walk over there for a moment, and then come back.

TP: Are you?

JC: Yes.

Do you want to do that on your own?

I've got a curve ball coming in... TP: Have you?

Off you go.

JC: Excuse me.

Yes.

VO: Jon has spotted a different but more ornate art deco lamp, and it's given him an idea.

Stand by.

It's just a bit more silvery and a bit more "onyx-y".

It might make it more distinctive, a bit more collectable.

DEALER: You know, this may help us, because this is obviously a more decorative base, which would make it more expensive, but if we were to go for the same prices as we were doing the package with the not so elaborate lamp, then that might make you happier?

TP: And you were saying 230?

DEALER: Yeah.

And there's no way you'll do 220 for me?

VO: There's no shifting Lewis, who drives a hard bargain.

If they want a vintage camera, copper mirror and more decorative art deco lamp, it's 230... pounds.

Should we do it?

Wanna go for it?

I think we should, yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah?

(AS DAVID ATTENBOROUGH) Here we see two rutting dealers, at their most illustrious.

(THEY LAUGH) Bit impulsive, I think.

And it might've been a lot worse, had it not been for your guidance and expertise.

VO: It could've been a lot worse - you could've been paired up with Maverick Mark.

Poor Debra - she really doesn't like that chair, but our rogue expert won't listen.

Now, we've got a real split opinion here.

Debra hates it...

Sorry!

..and I think it's quite fun, if the price is right, of course.

I could do that for 130 for you.

VO: For that kind of money, you need a closer inspection.

It would appear to be a Renaissance style hall chair.

It's sort of growing on me, and I think...

I think I'm being gently persuaded.

We...

I'd be able to persuade you a lot if we got it at a better price, wouldn't I?

I think so.

And as you say, it is on my head.

And I can't decide whether it's really ugly or really attractive.

I think they would put £60-80 on it.

What do you think?

It's in your court now.

I liked £80.

MS: £80 is... is better.

Mm.

Would you consider 70?

DEALER: Was there something else you wanted to buy?

VO: Funny you should ask, Lewis.

Debra has her heart set on the tea service.

But will Mark be persuaded?

Debra, I don't know why, likes the tea set, and there's no price on that, so we don't know how much that it is.

If you were to take the chair and the tea set together, we could call it... er... 70 and 50, is 120.

120.

Would you... Would you let us have that for 40?

OK. MS: Lewis, Lewis... DS: That would be fine.

DS: Oh... MS: I was gonna try and get the both of them for 100.

DS: It's only... You really can't do them for 100, for the two?

Why don't we split the difference and call it 105?

Shall we do that?

I think we should.

MS: You happy with that?

DS: Yeah.

Well, why don't we shake his hand?

Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, Lewis.

That's really nice of you.

VO: Well done, Debra.

You've got the tea service.

But you're stuck with that chair at £70.

Sorry!

Oh, my gosh, the rain's come again, Debra!

Oh!

Let's get in the warm!

But at least we've got two items in the bag.

I'm quite happy.

Are you?

I'm very happy.

Well done.

Hee-hee!

VO: With three purchases under their belts, it's time for our boys to ponder on their place in the universe, at Edinburgh's prestigious Royal Observatory, don'tcha know?

VO: Luckily, Jon and Thomas haven't come to peer through telescopes, as it's clearly not the day for it.

Instead, they're in for a celestial treat - right up Jon's street - one of the finest collections of ancient astrological and astronomy manuscripts in the world.

On a scale of 1 to 10, Jon, this is excitement level...?

Oh, it's...

It's...

It's 10, 11, 12.

More.

Hi, there.

Hello.

VO: The boys are met by senior astronomer John Davies.

Welcome to the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh.

It's great to be here.

Thanks for having us!

VO: The Royal Observatory was founded back in 1888, at the behest of the 26th Earl of Crawford, who was a keen amateur astronomer.

He offered his library of rare ancient scientific books and instruments to the city of Edinburgh, on the proviso that they built an observatory to house 'em.

This is Karen, our librarian.

Oh!

Hello.

JC: Karen, nice to see you.

KAREN: Hello.

Nice to meet you.

VO: Karen Moran is on hand to point out the highlights of the collection.

It must be so special to have these.

It's a... a privilege to look after this collection.

It's one of five like it in the world, but ours has been deemed the best in the world!

So this is the best in the world?

Of this type of collection.

VO: And what a collection it is, including first editions by iconic names such as Copernicus, Galileo and Sir Isaac Newton, and together they tell the incredible story of human understanding of our place in the universe over two centuries.

VO: One of the earliest manuscripts is by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy, who in AD 140 set down Plato's theory that the Earth was placed at the center of the universe, with everything else revolving around it.

These... decorative images I see in front of me don't look like they have much to do with astronomy.

Well, you're correct and incorrect, because they are to do with astrology, rather than astronomy.

Oh, sorry.

But in medieval times, they both were seen as one and the same thing.

VO: In those days, astronomy was used by doctors to cure illnesses, and they would carry medical bibles with them, to help with diagnosis and treatment.

And you could have a quick glance at this one - you can see it's the zodiac man.

And each house of the zodiac is relating to a different part of the human body.

We've got pisc... Got an interesting expression on his face, hasn't he?

Exactly!

JC: Rather like Gene Wilder!

What are these?

These look rather fascinating, don't they?

Yes, they are portable versions, if you like, of the bigger text, particularly this one.

So physicians would carry these around on their belts.

That's why they're known as girdle almanacs.

Yes, they look wonderfully fragile, and they're especially delicate, don't they?

They are.

VO: It took another one and a half centuries for this accepted wisdom to change, following the groundbreaking observations of Copernicus and Galileo, finally acknowledging the sun's rightful place at the center of the solar system.

Tell us about this one in the corner, here, which... Now, is this showing the moment when... the Earth was no longer the center of the solar system but that passed over to the sun?

KAREN: The sun, exactly.

This is our first edition Copernicus from 1543, and yes, you're exactly right, Jon, he's put the sun in the center and the planets moving in these beautiful circular orbits around the sun.

VO: In the 17th century, Englishman Sir Isaac Newton was to solidify these ideas through mathematical theory, laws that continued to form the basis of all scientific thought until the early 20th century.

Look at this - the mask of, eh, of Isaac Newton himself.

Yes, it's a...a death mask of Sir Isaac Newton.

Ours was once owned by Professor Wallace, who was professor of mathematics and astronomy at Edinburgh University.

Ours is numbered 44 of a run of about 500 of these masks that were produced.

He looks rather at peace, doesn't he?

He does!

His principles are still being observed, even now.

Isn't that right, Mr Newton?

VO: Newton's great friend, astronomer Edmond Halley, further reinforced these theories of the universe, when in 1707 he successfully predicted the return of the famous comet named after him.

It's a wonderful, wonderful collection, and it's such a privilege to see it, and I'm only sorry we can't stay for longer and take it in quite a lot more.

VO: I agree.

Wonderful.

(AS DAVID DICKINSON) So let's see what it goes for at the auction!

Sorry, I blasphemed!

You did blaspheme.

VO: Yes, and what an auction that would be.

Come along, Thomas - drag him back to Earth.

There's shopping to be done - no time for the telescope.

Sorry.

Jon, we'd better buy some antiques, really.

We have...

I suppose so.

We mustn't be distracted.

You are very distracted!

Yes, I'm completely distracted.

VO: Back on planet Earth, Debra and Mark are leaving Edinburgh and heading south, some 16 miles to West Linton.

Nestling in the Borders... this ancient village dates back to Iron Age times.

Its name comes from the Celtic for "lake" or "pool".

Rather apt today!

Debra, I'm dying to know - how on earth did you get into all this impressionism.

Oh... well, um, ever since I can remember, my dad used to do impressions, to make me laugh.

Oh, did he?

When I was really little, and I used to copy him, and he used to basically teach me to do them.

And the first one I ever remember doing was Margaret Thatcher, saying... (AS THATCHER) When I become prime minister... VO: Ha-ha!

West Linton is home to Mr MacDonald's Saleroom Emporium whose proprietor is Ryan, the "Mr" of the aforementioned edifice.

Oh, gosh!

Look at that!

Oh, my God!

Do you know, I've been waiting for this all day, Debra.

DS: This place is brilliant.

This is gonna be an Aladdin's cave, isn't it?

I can see it now.

Is that..?

That's 1950s, isn't it?

It's got to be.

That's rather fun.

DS: Aw!

Oh, God.

What's this?

Well, it's a pulpit, I think, isn't it?

Do you like it?

Yeah.

I can't think what use it would be.

I mean, why would you have this?

I don't know, but you know, there's so many people these days are looking for sort of interesting interior design features.

VO: Do you know, I don't think Debra likes it.

Sorry, Mark.

MS: Should we carry on?

Yeah.

I think so.

Those are quite pretty, Debra, aren't they?

They're really pretty.

And do they have silver tops?

They do have silver tops.

They're ins...

If you look inside this one, this is Mappin & Webb, 1899, apparently.

VO: Quite right.

Mappin & Webb were renowned as the quality suppliers of luxury goods at the end of the Victorian period.

89, for the pair.

I'm just really disturbed by the fact that one's slightly bigger than the other.

Shall we take these over as a consideration?

VO: Despite Debra's concerns, Mark takes the lead, but before bargaining can start, he's distracted by more silverware.

Don't you think those look elegant on your table though... DS: Really nice.

MS: ..when the guests arrive and you'd sprinkle your own salt on?

DS: Absolutely.

I like things that you can still use.

MS: That are quite practical?

DS: Yeah, yeah.

And there's...

There's a case set here as well, look.

A little silver... Oh, it needs a wee polish.

A wee polish, doesn't it, a wee polish?

VO: Rub a dub, eh?

You'd better polish off the deal quickly because Jon and Thomas have caught up with you and are just outside.

Great name.

That's the sort of...

I used to voice overs for places like that, and it'd be, "Go to Mr MacDonald's Saleroom Emporium "now!

Antiques, collectables and curios bought and sold.

"Call now."

Would that have been for local radio?

Oh!

How exciting.

This time I won't be so reckless as I was before.

I can hear the dulcet tones.

Mysterious sort of place.

I think we should explore further.

Who knows what we might find here.

VO: You'll find the opposition.

DS: Ah!

MS: What do you want?

Oh, go away.

It's the child catcher.

What are you doing here?

We're here for our last and final shop.

We've only just got here - it's not fair that you've arrived so quickly.

Have you been having fun?

Yes, yeah.

VO: Careful Debra, nattering to Jon will leave Mark free to dream of making more and more and more maverick purchases.

I love that pulpit, but she's right - I don't know what we'd do with it, but I think it's great fun.

VO: And at £220, it better had be.

See you after the break.

Lovely.

VO: Finally back to business.

Namely a pair of silver salts with blue glass liners and a cased silver cruet set - ticket price £120.

We were rather hoping, to give us a fighting chance... ..we might be able to offer you and get those for about 60 quid, for the two.

As the first weekly installment, yes!

DS: (LAUGHS) While the serious negotiations are going on over there, we're reading the Sooty Annual over here.

Nick Robinson, BBC News, near the big box of books.

DEALER: Give me 70.

And then I can feed my daughter.

MS: Oh!

DS: Aw!

Oh, we've heard this before.

And what was the decision on these, or do you want us to tell you what we would like to get those for?

Er, yeah, hit me with this one.

Cuz we're worried about size differential.

We were rather hoping we'd get those for 40.

Let's make it 55.

VO: So adding the mismatched silver vases to the other items selected gives a total price of £125.

It would be lovely if we got those for a round figure, wouldn't it?

You know I like round figures.

What are you offering, 110?

No, 100 for the lot.

What do you think, Debra?

105?

Deal.

DS: Thank you very much.

MS: Debra, I'm so impressed!

VO: Once again, Debra decisively clinches the deal.

Meanwhile Jon's fascination with vintage continues, as he's drawn to a 1950s radio.

That'd be a great thing if it works.

The Pye... You like the sort of Britishness, don't you?

This wonderful British sort of 1950s...

It's just...

The design of it's really cool.

VO: Not sure Thomas agrees with you there, Jon.

On the other side of the room, Mark is obviously up to something with young Mr MacDonald.

Well, I mean, Debra's off browsing somewhere else, and I love this...

I don't know why, I just love it.

Debra doesn't see what I see in it and I think she's going to kill me, but I really want to buy it, but I don't want her to let me go without having it.

In a perfect world, I'd love to try and get it as near £100 as possible, to give me a chance.

Can you come anywhere near that?

DEALER: 120.

MS: Oh!

DEALER: It's got... MS: Ryan, I'm having it.

I'm having it, are you sure?

DEALER: I'm happy.

MS: Really?

DEALER: Happy.

MS: Then I'm having it.

I'm having it.

Debra's gonna kill me, but I'm having it for 120... As long as she doesn't kill you till you've paid.

I'll pay you now.

VO: Shame a confessional wasn't for sale.

Time to own up, Mark!

I've bought the pulpit.

So, think you're clever do you?

Buying a pulpit?

See what I've got in store for you.

Oh no.

I don't think she's taken it too badly.

I just hope now there's a profit in it.

VO: So do I, Mark.

The boys though are still tuned into that radio.

It works, you get Radio Scotland, that's it.

Well, up here.

Down south, you take your pick.

Can I lift it down and have a look?

Oh look at that, that's in really good shape.

TP: What's that got to be?

Make me an offer.

Make you an offer.

Make me an offer off of that.

I don't like this bit, I get scared with this bit, I don't like it.

TP: I would like to offer you £15.

Make it 18.

18, and it's a deal.

DEALER: Deal.

TP: Yeah?

TP: Done.

JC: Done, wonderful.

(AMERICAN ACCENT) How about that?

I'm glad it worked out so easy.

You're a gentleman, sir.

VO: The headlines - a very smart radio has just been purchased at the emporium.

A report coming next.

VO: Jon is so excited over the sale that he gives Mr MacDonald's daughter the £2 in change - thus Road Trip rules mean that the price of the radio is £20.

Debra's team have bagged a pair of silver topped vases, two silver salts, a boxed cruet set and a pulpit - ha!

- total spend £225.

What a mixture.

End of day one and a very satisfied Jon and Debra compare notes.

That was a very enjoyable day, one of those days when you feel like you've learned quite a lot, gone into a new field and learned all about it.

Yeah, I know, I love that, exploring new territory.

TP: Jon is wonderful to work with.

He's very funny, and all these wonderful voices.

MS: I know, I'm the same with Debra, you know, she's... so sweet, I mean we've just got on I think like a house on fire.

But more than that, she realizes she's got the better expert.

TP: Well, naturally, I mean obviously you can only big yourself up that much, Mark.

VO: Yes I quite agree, Thomas, but right now chaps, it's time for some well-earned shuteye.

Night-night.

JC: I reckon you've just got the knack for this.

DS: Ah, ha-ha!

JC: See, I worry I was a bit too impulsive yesterday.

DS: Oh, really?

JC: I think so.

Nah, well, you know what, I think you've got to trust your instincts, Jon.

MS: So we've got a really, really relaxed day today.

VO: Debra and Mark had a great first day.

MS: Debra... DS: Thank you very much.

I'm so impressed!

VO: Spending £330 on a 1950s Queen Anne china set, a renaissance style hall chair... Oh, look at that chair.

It's horrible!

VO: ..a pair of silver-topped vases, two silver salts, a silver cruet set and a pulpit apparently used as a theatrical prop at the Edinburgh Lyceum.

I think it's strange.

Well, I'm strange.

Haven't you realized that yet?

VO: ..which leaves them with just £70 to spend today.

Jon and Thomas did equally well.

You're on a bit of a roll really.

Yeah, you've just got to let things filter to you, haven't you?

VO: Buying an art-deco lamp, an arts and crafts copper framed mirror, a Voigtlander Brillant camera, and a walnut veneered Pye radio, as you do.

(AS JIM BOWEN) That's super, that's great.

We'll count this out during the break, can't beat a bit of Bully.

VO: Total spend £250, leaving them with £150 for today's hunt.

(AS NOEL EDMONDS) The banker says he respects you, and at this stage, he'd like to offer you £4,000.

VO: One couple who are not off antiques hunting this morning are Debra and Mark.

They're traveling from West Linton to Blantyre, to visit the birthplace of Dr David Livingstone, the celebrated explorer and medical missionary known for his work in central and southern Africa.

The David Livingstone Centre, established to commemorate his life and work, is set in the tenement where he was born and adjoins the site of the cotton mill where he started work.

The building houses many of Livingstone's possessions from his time spent in Africa unsuccessfully searching for the source of the Nile.

Debra and Mark will discover more about one of our national heroes from the late 19th century with tour guide Karen Curruthers.

Welcome to David Livingstone's little house.

VO: David Livingstone was born in this room on the 19th of March 1813 and lived here with his parents and four siblings.

MS: It is quite difficult to understand how seven people could live in this one room.

God.

He had a very humble background - how did he get from this start to being Dr David Livingstone?

It's an incredible story really, he started off working as a pieceman in the mill, seems to have decided very early on that he was not going to stay there, he'd a real desperate thirst for education.

VO: That thirst for knowledge was quite incredible.

Even though working a 14 hour day in the mill from the age of 10, he would always study every night before going to bed.

That thirst to learn combined with Livingstone's very strong Christian faith, pushed him forward.

VO: By 1836 aged 33, he was studying medicine and theology in Glasgow, having determined to become a medical missionary.

And what else have you got that's directly related to that time that he spent in Africa?

We've got an amazing collection, directly linked to Livingstone... MS: Could we have a look at some of those, Karen?

KAREN: Absolutely.

Some of the objects from our collection.

MS: Gosh.

Some of our journals, some navigation equipment, and some rather gory medical equipment.

DS: Oh, that's medical equipment?

KAREN: Yeah, it looks more like a joiner's toolbox, doesn't it?

So what about this, this..?

KAREN: This is the medical bag, we've all seen medical bags like that.

It's amazing to think that that one was with Livingstone... MS: In Africa.

VO: Livingstone won the trust of local tribes with his skills as a medicine man, and even invented a treatment for malaria called Livingstone's Rousers - a mixture of quinine and rhubarb that was used until the 1920s.

MS: And I love the way they've called it tabloid, rather than tablet.

VO: Huh!

But his work in Africa took him far beyond medicine.

Livingstone was a committed anti-slavery advocate who hoped that his explorations would help put an end to the dreadful trafficking of the indigenous population, a goal he worked tirelessly towards for many years.

During his final expedition and with nothing having been heard from him for months, the explorer and journalist Henry Morton Stanley was sent to find him - resulting in the famous phrase "Dr Livingstone, I presume?"

when they finally met near Lake Tanganyika in 1871.

The two men spent four or five months together, and when Stanley was leaving Livingstone, Livingstone gave Stanley vast numbers of letters and journals and so on to take home, and this was the little bag that... MS: Did he actually write that, "Positively not to be opened"?

I think it's actually been stitched.

Oh, it's been stitched on, has it?

We believe that the "positively"... MS: Oh yes.

KAREN: ..was stitched by Stanley but this was by Livingstone.

MS: Gosh.

DS: You can really hardly see that that's embroidery.

MS: No.

One of the things that he'd written about was a terrible massacre of over 400 people... MS: Oh God.

..by Arab slave traders at a little place called Nyangwe.

VO: The British public was shocked, putting pressure on to the government to act - a naval blockade was threatened and finally the ruling sultan acquiesced and closed the slave market in Zanzibar.

He genuinely had a respect for them, I think, by the sounds of it, because he didn't go there, and we know he went as a missionary to preach the word of God, but he tried to understand them.

He was on their side, really, wasn't he?

Yeah, he was a great humanitarian, I think he was very different to many folk who went afterwards.

VO: Livingstone had suffered from bad health for many years and he died in May 1873.

His companions buried his heart in his beloved Africa but returned his mummified body back to Britain along with many of his belongings now on display at the center.

His burial at Westminster Abbey is a testament to the Victorian public's esteem.

Thank you very, very much.

Thank you for having us.

It's a fascinating story, thank you for coming.

VO: And it's time to track down our other pair of intrepid explorers, who are 30 miles away, heading into the village of Wiston near beautiful Tinto Hill.

VO: Jon and Thomas have an appointment to shop at Sunnyside Antiques.

What a charming spot.

VO: Owned by Mark Attwood.

Perhaps he can help them select some profitable "perch"-aces - sorry, I couldn't resist that!

Impulsive Jon has his eye on something already.

JC: What's that copper tank up there?

I believe it's a big water urn, and as you rightly point out, it's copper - big brass tap, tin lined.

Date-wise, probably late 19th century, I can certainly get it down if you want to have a look.

VO: Luckily Mark's son Ben is on hand and delivers the tank to a doubting Thomas.

TP: What was it going to be?

DEALER: £160.

Really?

Mm-hm.

I think that's, er, got some room in it.

TP: So you wouldn't take 100?

Not at the moment, no.

TP: Not at the moment.

I suggest we just have a quick carry on looking, as well.

I quite like things like this, but that's me.

A bushel.

Well, let's move on.

So already, we're not even into the main part of the shop yet, and we're seeing contending things.

That's good.

This bodes very well.

This is what you tend to think of antiques as being, sort of like dogs, like that.

That's antiques, innit, there?

Look at them, like little porcelain Jedwards, perched there.

TP: He's quite jolly, isn't he?

JC: Can I have a... (AS BRUCE FORSYTH) It's nice to see you, to see you, nice.

Haven't they carved me out well?

TP: Very good.

I feel like Paul Bettany and Russell Crowe.

As Captain Jack Aubrey.

Jack Aubrey, yeah.

VO: Not taken with porcelain dogs, masks or telescopes, Thomas seems to have unearthed something else.

This Scalextric, it's sort of completely out of context.

DEALER: What's very nice about it is the fact that it's all in mint condition and boxed, so it's... Makes it that more desirable.

VO: There's a full Scalextric set as well as separate boxes of accessories - it's toy heaven for Thomas.

And - oh dear - I think it's catching.

(AS RICHARD WILSON) It's got a sort of Richard Wilson quality, as if to say, he's never going to get round there at that speed.

VO: Hm.

Produced by Triang in the 1960s, this CM33 set is the Motor Racing Competition Series featuring models of Porsche and a D type Jag.

DEALER: The price for everything is 350.

TP: Right, come on, we can't afford this, and I'd want the whole lot.

JC: Had I not been so reckless yesterday... TP: Don't say that, don't regret.

Never regret.

That's the thing, never regret.

VO: Will Jon and Thomas stay on track?

Ha!

It's decision time.

Well, the bushel's great.

The bushel is great.

The copper tank.

TP: The tank is fun.

I would've loved that Scalextric.

JC: Mmm.

TP: I would have loved it.

We could still just buy the set, but... VO: Thomas just can't quite lose his enthusiasm for boys' toys, so the Scalextric has to be.

But will he be able to persuade Mark to split the bundle?

Where are we?

We are back at Scalextric.

Back at Scalextric, and would you mind splitting it up?

Um... What part... What components were you after?

Well, I'm just after the box set.

DEALER: Just the box set on its own?

Just the box set on its own.

I don't think I can afford... Mm-hm.

..the whole lot, to be honest with you, unless you want to lose money.

Um...

I'd like to give you £60 for it.

Right.

Honestly, I couldn't.

I could quite easily get £100 for it.

DEALER: TP: Yeah, yeah, absolutely.

Um, and...

But we could meet somewhere.

90.

80.

DEALER: No.

TP: Go on.

DEALER: No!

85.

Alright then, 85 it is.

Thank you.

I've got no hands to shake.

Bless you, sir.

VO: And with the Scalextric safely in their possession, the boys decide to call a halt on their shopping, leaving the field clear for arrivals Debra and Mark.

DS: Pull up there.

MS: Yeah, I think if we pull up here.

Ooh.

Ooh, this is nice.

So we've got £70 left.

Yeah.

Um... we've bought five items, so I don't think we really need to get another one, but it would be nice to spend all the money, wouldn't it?

That's unusual, isn't it?

Yes, it's a carved shell.

It's probably a light of some sort, but... DS: Mmm.

It's very decorative.

That looks quite pretty, doesn't it?

There's a pair of them, actually.

Aren't those patterns lovely, those little roundels, or mons, as they're sometimes called.

Absolutely beautiful.

I absolutely... Maybe you can see, these are my colors.

MS: Oh yes.

DS: If you look at my scarf, and you look at that vase... Well, you know, that's why I picked them up.

VO: Oh, you silver tongued charmer.

Cloisonne is a French term for an Oriental technique for decorating metal objects using vitreous enamel.

The decoration is formed by attaching metal wires or strips to make compartments, or clois, on the surface of the vessel, which remain visible on the finished piece, separating the different colored enamels.

They may compliment Debra's colors, but will the price match their budget?

MS: Are they expensive?

DEALER: They are 120 the pair.

Ooh.

That's over our budget, I'm afraid.

They're a nice pair as well.

VO: Luckily there is a smaller pair.

But this is um...

This is a completely different material.

No, no, it's the same, it's absolutely the same technique.

Those...

I like those because they're faceted.

They've got that octagonal look, but this is much smoother, so it's all gone over.

The colors are still working for me.

They're still working for you, they still fit in with your overall color scheme.

VO: Still thumbs up to the colors, but will it be thumbs down to the price?

The best on those would be 50 for the pair.

Are we happy to go for these for £50?

Yes, I think so.

But it leaves us £20.

I know.

DS: (LAUGHS) Which is a sort of funny little amount to...

It's a funny little amount.

VO: A funny amount hardly worth holding on to.

Let's take a peek in the silver cabinet.

I like that spoon, but I know that's going to be more, isn't it?

VO: An early 20th century hallmarked silver gilt copy of a royal anointing spoon.

DEALER: I can do that for 20.

MS: Really?

DS: Really?

DEALER: Yeah.

DS: Could put it with the lot.

MS: Can we have a look?

DS: With the silver.

MS: Oh, we could do, I suppose.

That's a copy, definitely, of the silver anointing spoon.

It's beautifully made.

DS: It's beautiful.

Shall we do that?

Yeah.

Let's shake hands, alright, the vases and this for 70 quid.

DEALER: That's correct, yep.

MS: Fantastic.

DS: Thank you very much.

DEALER: Thank you.

Welcome.

DS: Brilliant.

MS: Perfect.

MS: You're driving!

VO: Deal done, money spent - time to reunite with Jon and Thomas.

Just delicately take it off.

Only polite to the ladies first, really.

MS: And, and, and one more.

TP: Ooh!

And one more, and... Oh, Mark.

We need to go over and have a look.

We need to examine, examine.

That's a delightful hall chair.

VO: Well, there's a surprise.

Thomas likes the chair - the one Debra hated.

But it's her pride and joy - the tea service - up next.

Yes, I must say, it was a bit of a personal choice, and it was my choice, wasn't it?

And he humored me.

How much was it?

DS: 35.

MS: Yes.

35 for a six place setting?

DS AND MS: 12.

TP: 12?!

There are 12 cups and saucers.

That's a bargain.

Is it dishwasher proof?

(THEY LAUGH) VO: I very much doubt it, Jon.

What do you make of the silver-topped vases, then?

MS: Very good quality engraving.

TP: Good quality.

They were actually £35 for the two.

TP: Oh my God, that's such a good price.

VO: That's a result.

No-one's commented on the size difference.

TP: And the cloisonne?

The cloisonne, these were one of our final purchases.

They're lovely, early 20th century.

£80?

No, we paid actually £50 for them.

Oh, bargain.

This one was 20.

It's a little silver anointing spoon.

VO: Some items are just too big to pop in the back of a car, so Mark has to improvise using the medium of mime.

We've got a very big pulpit... DS: Oh yes, with a huge... MS: ..haven't we?

DS: Yeah, we spent every penny DEALER: of the money.

MS: Every penny, we spent.

Let's look at your... VO: Next up, Jon and Thomas reveal their haul to Debra and Mark.

Let's do a magician's reveal with the thing.

Oh, Jon!

JC: Stuff.

This is so you!

VO: Gosh!

Mark actually lost for words for once.

Look at this Scalextric.

But moving on, I have to tell you what my favorite item is, if I may... DS: Yes.

MS: ..be so bold.

Is the mirror.

Was that expensive, Jon?

No, it wasn't too bad, was it?

No, it wasn't, we bought three items as a group.

Oh yes?

Yeah, in our first shop.

It was, we were a bit impulsive.

The art-deco desk lamp.

That's beautiful as well, isn't it?

The camera, and the mirror was all one bundle, at £230.

Oh!

So it comes in at 80, 30, 120.

MS: And what about the BBC radio, there?

It's in such good condition, walnut veneered, but really it's...

It works as well.

DS: I think it's lovely.

MS: Expensive?

MS: £20.

Oh, it's nothing for £20, is it?

You've got a really good lot.

You've got a good selection.

Yeah.

And do you know what I like most?

They're completely different to ours.

Yeah, it's really funny how it's really brought out DS: the character in us... MS: Completely different.

..actually and you two have helped to do that.

VO: OK, what do our teams really think?

I think they'll be very popular on the day.

People I think will want to own those, the delicate crockery and the salt and pepper set.

They reflect, you know, Debra's personality very much.

I love what they have, but I don't feel envious of what they have.

I'm really in admiration of what they've chosen.

I think the really shiny china is really delightful, and gonna do jolly well.

For a setting of 12, £35 is nothing.

I mean, I love their art deco lamp, but they did pay 100-and-odd pounds for it, which is quite a lot.

VO: Right, gentle admiration for each other's items however, the auction will decide the outcome of this contest - time to get the show on the road and set off south to Essex.

Innit.

MS: Is this it?

TP: This is it.

VO: The experts are first to arrive at Bonington's Auction House in Loughton.

Both teams started with £400 each.

Debra and Mark spent every last penny and ended up with seven items... ..organized into six auction lots.

But Jon and Thomas only spent £335...

Hang on a minute!

VO: ..giving them five scorching auction lots.

However, Shaban, who will be assisting at today's sale, has some unwelcome news regarding one of Debra and Mark's lots.

The tea set, someone brought that into us at the front desk, I'd value that at 80-120.

Well, I'd be thrilled with that.

But unfortunately, your tea set, apparently, has been damaged in transit, so we're slightly concerned... Oh, that is very concerning.

VO: That is a blow.

Without the damage it was valued at between £80 and £120 - unlikely to realize that now.

How will Debra take the news?

Speaking of Debra, what's delayed her and Jon?

Thomas, I don't know about you, but I'm getting a bit nervous.

Why, because of your lots?

No, cuz there's two empty seats here!

We're missing somebody.

We are missing our friends Debra and Jon.

VO: I agree.

With the auction already under way, they're cutting it a bit fine.

Perhaps they're panicking about what they've bought - ha!

- but staying away won't postpone the pain.

Now, you'll need to tell her about your tea set.

Yeah, but I'm gonna... Now, don't mention it.

I won't mention it.

Because I'm going to mention it just before the lot comes up.

So she doesn't worry about it.

VO: Ah!

Here they are at last!

Quick - sit down - the auction is about to begin!

Just in time.

VO: First up, the silver salts, cased silver cruet set and silver anointing spoon as a job lot.

Look at her face.

£100.

100 I'm bid, looking for 110.

110.

120.

I must sell it at £110.

AUCTIONEER: All out at 110?

MS: Come on, a bit more.

VO: Not the start they were hoping for, but at least a profit after commission.

Oh, the meanies.

VO: The meanies!

Will Jon's copper mirror excite the buyers instead?

Start me at £60 for it.

60 surely.

40 if you like.

30 I'm bid, looking for two.

30 is the bid, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40...5.

50...5.

50 is the bid, and I'm selling at £50.

Are you all out now at 50?

I'm selling at 50... Five, good man.

Good man.

JC: Rock 'n' roll.

DS: Yeah.

60...5.

70.

Are you sure, sir?

One more, 65's there, 70?

70...5.

One more.

70 is the bid at the back, and I'm selling at £70, are you all done at 70 then?

(GAVEL) VO: Stalled at 70.

A loss.

..got themselves a very nice mirror.

VO: Indeed they did.

Now Deb and Mark's oddly mismatched vases.

Let's hope the size difference doesn't affect the price.

Start me at £30.

I'm trying to build it up, Debra.

AUCTIONEER: £30, £30.

(THEY LAUGH) £30.

20 if you like.

20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32.

AUCTIONEER: Go on, one more.

DS: Come on.

32, 34.

34.

36.

34's the bid.

36 anywhere else?

36, 38.

36 is there, looking for 38.

I'm selling at £36, are you all done?

(GAVEL) MS: Oh, that's disappointing, Debra.

VO: This is beginning to look bleak for both teams!

Somebody's got a bargain.

VO: Jon and Thomas's art deco lamp - they've got high hopes for this.

It looks lovely on the screen.

It does look lovely.

Start me £100 for that one?

Silence.

80 if you like.

Is there £60 anywhere?

Oh, come on!

Put it in at 40 then?

£40 I'm looking for.

30 I'm bid.

Looking for two.

30 is... 32, 34, 36, 38, 40.

40?

38's there, 40?

38 and selling.

40, new bidder.

42.

44.

46.

48.

50.

48's the bid there, 50?

I'm selling it at £48.

Are you all out now at 48?

(GAVEL) VO: Ouch!

That hurts.

MS: That's for nothing, Jon, I'm so sorry.

That... really should have made a lot.

VO: Will Debra and Mark's cloisonne vases go the distance?

20 if you like, for the vases.

DS: Come on.

AUCTIONEER: 20 I'm bid, AUCTIONEER: looking for two.

DS: Come on.

20 I'm bid, looking for two.

22, 24, 26.

24's there, looking for 26.

26, 28.

26 is your bid.

No!

I almost wanna buy them myself.

AUCTIONEER: £26.

DS: No way!

You've got to be kidding me.

(GAVEL) VO: Another loss.

Time for another Jedi mind trick?

Maybe I should incorporate that Jedi trick again.

DS: (MUTTERS) VO: Can we picture a profit with Jon and Thomas's camera?

I'm bid 25 on commission, I'm looking for 30 in the room.

30, two's with me.

34, 36.

It's going well.

38, 40.

42, 44.

44 I've got, and I'm selling at £44.

Are you all out on the camera at 44 then?

(GAVEL) VO: At last!

Will this rally continue?

DS: Well done, you've done well.

MS: You've made £14.

We can go with our heads held high no matter what happens now.

VO: "On your head be it" I believe were the words, Mark.

This is rather nice.

It's lovely.

Start me at £50 for it.

DS: It's very nice.

40 if you like.

Is there £30 anywhere?

30 I'm bid, looking for two.

32, 34, 36, 38.

40...5.

50.

45's the bid, 50 sir?

45 and selling.

50, new bidder.

Five.

50's the bid.

Are you all done now at £50 then?

VO: Ooh!

How's your head, then, Mark?

£50.

£20 loss.

VO: Time to break the news about the tea service.

There's been a bit of an accident.

What do you mean?

Someone dropped a teacup?

Two of the cups have been damaged in transit.

DS: You've got to be kidding me!

MS: No.

Oh what?

But don't worry, Debra.

Aw!

The whole point was that it was 12 pieces of everything.

It'll be OK.

The rules state that what a valuer said it was worth perfect, which was £80-120... ..we would be paid the mid estimate, MS: so whatever happens... DS: Yeah?

..we're going to get £100 for it.

Start me at £30 for that.

Oh dear.

20 if you like.

No one at 20?

Is there 15 anywhere?

15 I'm bid, looking for 18.

15 I'm bid, looking for 18.

18.

20.

22.

24.

22's the bid, and I'm selling at 22.

Are you all done?

VO: Technically a loss, but in original condition valued by the auctioneer at between £80-120.

Luckily, thanks to the Road Trip rules, this means they will receive the low valuation of £80 because of the damage.

Every cloud has a silver lining.

Will the Scalextric get the boys back on track to win?

Bid's on the book, start with me at £60, I'm looking for five in the room.

I'm bid £60, five, it's with you sir, I'm out.

Is there 70 anywhere?

65's there, looking for 70.

I shall sell it at 65, are you all out now at 65 then?

He wants it.

He knows he's got a bargain.

VO: Spun off at the chicane and another £20 down.

I don't know anything about it.

Well, I just thought it was really, really likable, I would have thought it would be very desirable to a lot of people.

VO: Next up, it's the retro item that Jon couldn't leave behind, but will the vintage radio prove a turn on for the bidders?

Interest in this one means that I've got to come straight in AUCTIONEER: at 35, 45... MS: Ooh!

55, 65, 75.

It's with me on commission at £80, I'm looking for five in the room.

It's with me on commission at £80... You just don't know, do you?

I shall sell it on commission at 80, are you all done on this one at £80 then?

VO: Finally!

A tiny profit.

Your instinct paid off handsomely - well done, Jon.

Marvelous.

Maybe it's because we gave the change away, we got good karma.

That was it, wasn't it?

You know what this means, of course, don't you?

Yes.

It's all down to the pulpit.

VO: Far too late to apologize now, Mark, but have the courage of your convictions, man - this pulpit could be the making of you.

I am bid £100 on commission, I'm looking for 110 in the room.

110.

I've got 120.

130.

120's here with me, 130 sir?

Could be yours.

I'm selling it at 120, are you all done at 120 then?

You were ahead of your time on that one, and I think, you know... Do you know, that happens with me so much, Jon.

VO: As the dust settles, time to lick their wounds and reflect on what might have been.

VO: Our celebrities began with £400 each.

After auction costs, Jon and Thomas have made a loss of £83.26 so end their Road Trip with a total of £316.74.

Shocking.

VO: After auction costs, Debra and Mark have made a loss of £53.96 and end their Road Trip with a total of £346.04, giving them the pyrrhic victory.

You can get cream for it, if you like a bit of pyrrhic.

Well done, Tom.

VO: Had our teams generated any profits, they would have gone to Children In Need.

Well done, Debra.

Well... That was a bit of a... Rollercoaster.

Yeah.

Ups and downs, mainly downs.

Isn't that funny that the luckiest thing to happen to us was the tea set breaking?

I know.

Well, it's been absolutely lovely meeting you, and we've had such fun.

Wonderful fun, thank you so much for being such a good spirit.

Thank you.

(ENGINE STARTS) VO: Time to say goodbye, but Jon and Debra have certainly left a lasting impression on Thomas and Mark - ha!

- but then you'd expect that after all, wouldn't you?

subtitling@stv.tv