BBC Bargain Hunt's new format sparks backlash as key part 'axed' from show

Bargain Hunt fans were left reeling during Thursday's episode of the favourite. The show, which was presented by Christina Trevanion, saw experts Thomas Forrester and Ochuko Ojiri guiding two teams in their quest to turn a profit at auction.

The format typically involves an expert being paired with either the red or blue team to hunt for hidden gems that could earn them some cash. As the programme draws to a close, the host usually reviews the finds with the auctioneer.

But fans were thrown in the latest episode when the auctioneer's insights were ditched, a staple of the show's format.

Adding to the shake-up, four teams went head-to-head at the auction block instead of the usual two. The first set of red and blue teams faced the gavel mid-episode, while the remaining teams waited until the finale.

Viewers didn't hold back on , expressing their dissatisfaction with the new approach, reports .

One viewer commented: "Don't like these shortened shows miss auctioneers comments."

Another tweeted: "B****y awful without the auctioneer's comments."

Curious about the changes, another fan reached asked: "@BBCBargainHunt. Hi, we enjoy watching #bargainhunt but why the change in format at the moment #BBC?"

However, one fan was thrilled with the new format, saying: "Loving the double episodes. Cutting out the unnecessary stuff. The host asking what's going to make the most profit and the auctioneer's valuations. Much better. I wonder why it's changed but I hope it continues."

However, whether this is a lasting change remains unclear as the episode was billed as an "extended version", hinting it might be two separate shows merged together.

This pattern has been consistent throughout the week, featuring four teams instead of the usual two.

In a surprising turn during the show, one of the blue teams was ecstatic when their gamble paid off handsomely.

Yvonne took a chance on a stone vessel for £69, despite Nash's hesitation, leading to a coin toss that decided the purchase.

At auction, the item sparked immediate interest with four pre-bids and opened at a staggering £130, leaving the team gobsmacked. Their excitement was palpable as they hugged in celebration, watching the bids climb.

The stone vessel eventually sold for £160, which earned them an impressive £91 profit. The BBC presenter couldn't hide her delight as she commented: "That's amazing!"

In the end, the second blue team triumphed with an impressive £126 profit overall.

Bargain Hunt is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.