The BBC has sadly announced the loss of a beloved Bargain Hunt expert, who tragically died after filming for an episode. The episode, which aired on Friday (March 21), was filmed in Shepton Mallet and featured host Tim Weeks alongside antiques dealer Stuart Withers. The official X account from the programme confirmed the heartbreaking news in a tweet stating: “Following the filming of today’s episode in Shepton Mallet, antiques seller Stuart Withers (pictured left with Tim Weeks) very sadly passed away. We send our sincerest sympathies and condolences to Mr Withers’ family and friends.” Devastated fans have been expressing their sorrow, with one viewer commenting: “So very sad just watched this episode now, offering my condolences.” Many others shared their grief through heart and angel wing emojis.
The BBC has sadly announced the loss of a beloved Bargain Hunt expert
This sorrowful announcement arrives not long after the community learned that Flog It!, reports the Express. Antiques expert Michael Baggott passed away from a heart attack at the young age of 51. Michael passed away in October 2024, but his death was only made public in January 2025. Rob Unsworth, BBC’s head of daytime, honoured him as “one of Flog It’s most unforgettable characters, an expert across a host of collectables.” Nick Hall, his co-star, commemorated Michael describing him as a “true connoisseur and ambassador of the antiques world. A font of knowledge and generous with his knowledge, a raconteur and all round top bloke, a pleasure to have known you Michael.”
A Bargain Hunt star has sadly died
(Image: (Image: BBC))
In 2023, it was disclosed that a Bargain Hunt participant had passed away before his episode could air. The guest, David, appeared on the show alongside his daughter Vicky, with experts Izzie Balmer and Nick Hall paying heartfelt tributes to him. The official Bargain Hunt Twitter account revealed that another guest, Stuart Withers, had also sadly passed away after filming an episode in Shepton Mallet. The Bargain Hunt account announced in 2023: “Since today’s episode of Bargain Hunt was filmed, David has sadly passed away.” The account offered condolences, saying: “We send our sincere condolences to his daughter and teammate Vicky, his wife Joyce and all his family and friends.” Expert Izzie Balmer further paid tribute: “David, you were a lovely kind, caring and friendly person, with a great sense of humour and a true Gent. I loved filming with you and Vicky, you were both great fun and I hold fond memories of our time together. Sending my condolences to you Vicky and to your family, lots of love.”
