The only way was Essex for makers of a Channel 4 programme after they incorrectly said a Sheppey bumper car collector was from the county.

Peter Ward appeared on Posh Pawn last night and despite stunning views of The Leas seafront being shown, the voice-over said he was from the land of fake tans and vajazzles across the Thames Estuary.

As well as a missed opportunity for a bit of primetime promotion for the Island, the 53-year-old’s age was given as 49.

In October, we reported on the roofer’s 40-plus dodgems – some of which have been converted to be able to drive outside of the confines of a fairground ride.

He featured on the reality show, which follows James Constantinou and team at Prestige Pawnbrokers in Weybridge, Surrey, as they trade a variety of “upmarket” goods – as he tried to get a £1,200 loan to expand his fleet.

Errors aside, Mr Ward, of Salmon Crescent, Minster, was pleased with his big night.

“They got a bit mixed up,” he said.

“But I thought it came across really well.”

His “long-suffering” wife and “bumper-car widow” Melanie also appeared on screen.

The show featured some classic one-liners from her husband such as: “If the mrs ain’t listening I’ve got 42 [dodgems] but if she is, I’ve got 25.”

Moving on to bigger and scarier things, the father-of-two, has purchased a full-size, pink Dalek which he wants to motorise.

He intends to then put a shower hose on one of its arms to soak unsuspecting passersby.

“Instead of exterminate, it’s irrigate,” he said.

The father-of-two is also looking to put a dodgem’s chassis onto a milk float to make a road-legal bumper car.

He is now looking to turn his hobby into a business and he has seen fully-converted models for sale online at £2,000.

Their price is already appreciating as interest in the funfair attractions grows, he said, as the dilapidated ones are starting at £350, whereas a year ago they would be lucky to reach that cost.

Although the pawnbrokers eventually turned him down for a loan, Mr Ward finished his TV appearance on an upbeat note saying: “Despite James not being interested, we will not be deterred. We will carry on. This has got wheels on and we are ready to roll.”