The Antiques Roadshow’s latest visit to Kent will bring back happy childhood memories for host Fiona Bruce. Chris Price reports.

When she presents Antiques Roadshow, it is always the same thing which hooks Fiona Bruce each year.

“Everyone loves the agony and ecstasy of the ‘what’s it worth?’ moment,” said the BBC newsreader, who is in her fifth year as presenter of the long-standing programme.

“Presenting the Antiques Roadshow is, for me, one of those rare and lucky coincidences in television when you get to work on a show that you already love to watch.

“Exploring the human story behind every object is what makes Antiques Roadshow so fascinating. It isn’t just about antiques – it’s history, beauty and drama all wrapped up in one.”

The show comes to Chatham Historic Dockyard next week, its first visit to the county since Leeds Castle in 2008. Top items found then were an Ogdens cigarette card collection valued at £50,000 and grapeshot from HMS Victory, valued at £2,000.

Before that, the last appearance in Medway was at Rochester Cathedral in 2007, where some of the finds included Napoleon’s toasting glass worth nearly £5,000. Also discovered that day was a 1619 silver steeple cup, which was worth £50,000 to £60,000.

The Chatham event is something of a homecoming for Fiona and not just because the early days of her BBC career were spent at Newsroom South East.

“I spent much of my childhood in Kent at my grandfather’s house in Cliftonville, so Kent feels like familiar territory,” said Fiona, 48.

“My favourite memories are playing on the beach at Cliftonville, swimming in the sea pool in Margate and going to Dreamland as often as my parents would allow.” Born in Singapore to an English mother and a Scottish father, Fiona was educated at Hertford College, Oxford and had a brief but unhappy spell at a management consultant firm before she bagged her first journalistic job as a researcher on Panorama.

Since then she has become one of TV’s most recognisable faces as host of BBC News at Six, BBC News at Ten and Crimewatch.

In the last year alone, she has reported on the Royal Wedding, the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games. It seems there is not much left for Fiona to achieve, having also hosted Call My Bluff and her own documentary series Real Story. She also made a memorable couple of appearances on Top Gear, smacking Jeremy Clarkson’s bum and saying it “needs a bit of work,” after he commented on her “nice bottom” in an earlier show. Yet she did admit there is one role in journalism she still has her sights on.

“I wouldn’t mind a job as a restaurant critic!” she said.

Antiques Roadshow - A visitor's guide

Come prepared. Outdoors it could be wet and cold or hot and sunny. Even indoor Roadshows can get very hot. Wear comfy shoes.

No ticket is needed. Entry is free. As long as you are in the main queue by 4.30pm you are guaranteed to see an expert.

Bring whatever items you want to know more about. Often the items thought to be worthless are the most interesting. Do not bring a whole teaset – instead bring a cup and saucer. Sometimes just a drawer and photo of a piece of furniture is sufficient.

Look out for Fiona. She will be filming pieces during the Roadshow day. She has a press call at 10am but otherwise may be seen around the venue either filming or chatting to the public.

If a specialist is interested in filming your item they will fill out a request slip. If the producer says yes, you will be given a timeslot and taken to the waiting room where there are refreshments.

The Roadshow may be able to help bring large or heavy items to the venue. Send details to: Antiques Roadshow, BBC, Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2LR or email them to: antiques.roadshow@bbc.co.uk

Often the Roadshow gets quieter in the afternoon. It might be a good idea to come after 2pm. If you don’t have items for valuation, come after 4.30pm and be part of the event, as filming continues until 7pm.

Antiques Roadshow facts

:: There have been five presenters of the Antiques Roadshow – Bruce Drake, Angela Rippon, Hugh Scully, Michael Aspel and Fiona Bruce.

:: During the past 34 years, there have been 650 programmes made at 507 different venues. The show has been to 11 countries.

:: The highest value item ever seen was a scale model of the Angel of the North, valued at £1 million at Gateshead in 2008.

The Antiques Roadshow comes to Chatham Historic Dockyard on Thursday, September 6. Doors 9.30pm. Last admission 4.30pm. Admission free. Call 01634 823800. The Antiques Roadshow comes to Chatham Historic Dockyard on Thursday, September 6. Doors 9.30pm. Last admission 4.30pm. Admission free. Call 01634 823800. The Antiques Roadshow comes to Chatham Historic Dockyard on Thursday, September 6. Doors 9.30pm. Last admission 4.30pm. Admission free. Call 01634 823800.