The owner of US President John F Kennedy’s leather jacket was stunned to learn it is worth six figures.

The moment Canon Carl Arvidsson discovers the true value of the item will be broadcast on the second episode of the Antiques Roadshow filmed at Walmer Castle, being aired tonight.

Canon Arvidsson tells the programme how the jacket was handed down to him by his father whose best friend had family connections with Swedish aristocrat Gunilla von Post.

He said: “Gunilla was 21 or 22 and lived in the south of France and then in Paris, and she was JFK’s lover before he got married to Jacqueline Bouvier. I believe the relationship ended in 1955 or 1956. She kept the jacket. It’s size 44, which was his size.

"Some of her belongings and love letters from JFK were sold recently in America and some of his goods were left in the apartment. She had three children and a nephew. The nephew was given some of the items and his best friend is my father.”

Antiques Roadshow expert Jon Baddeley - who valued the jacket at a six-figure sum - tells a delighted Canon Arvidsson: “Without the provenance, you’re not going to get the dollar signs, but that seems a very strong link. In America or anywhere worldwide, it is an iconic piece.

“The story’s everything, please write it down. I feel confident the market will pay that price.”

Antiques Roadshow executive editor, Simon Shaw, said: “This iconic item and the fascinating story behind it encapsulates the excitement and unpredictability that give Antiques Roadshow its enduring appeal. We just never know what is going to come through the door.”

Antiques Roadshow expert, Jon Baddeley, added: “Valuing unique items such as this flying jacket is not an exact science as there has been nothing directly comparable sold previously. However, judging by the fabulous prices paid at the auction from the Estate of Jackie Onassis and subsequent items relating to the Kennedys, the market for Kennedy memorabilia continues to grow.

“A leather jacket owned and worn by George Harrison in the early years of the Beatles and a flying jacket from Air Force one worn by JFK both have sold recently for significant six figure sums.”

The show will be on BBC One at 8pm tonight.