Angela Rippon and resident expert Arthur Negus taping the Antiques Roadshow from Trowbridge in June 1979.
The first Antiques Roadshow was broadcast on 18 February 1979. Bruce Parker introduced the show from Newbury, saying the decision to go on the road was in response to viewers' letters. It was a popular decision as in every town hundreds of people brought in their treasured possessions for approval and valuation by the experts.The star of the show was Arthur Negus, already famous from Going for a Song. But the antiques discovered and the reactions of the people who brought them in when told the value of their item made Antiques Roadshow compulsive viewing.
The cosy familiar atmosphere that makes Antiques Roadshow perfect Sunday afternoon viewing has been helped by the fact it has only had five main presenters over its forty years. Parker was replaced by Angela Rippon, then Hugh Scully hosted for nearly twenty years, followed by Michael Aspel. The current presenter Fiona Bruce has been with the programme since 2008.
Antiques Roadshow inspired interest in antiques and collectables and a whole genre of programmes about discovering them, from Flog It! to Antiques Road Trip. Several of the experts who began as specialists on the show have gone on to be stars in their own right. Antiques Roadshow is appealing to viewers around the world and several countries - such as the USA and Finland - have made their own versions.
February anniversaries
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Blue Peter 5000th edition
1 February 2018 -
Face to Face
4 February 1959 -
First TV Sports commentary
4 February 1937 -
The Wombles
5 February 1973 -
A Night of Comic Relief
5 February 1988 -
Greenwich Time Signal - the 'pips'
5 February 1924 -
Grange Hill
8 February 1978 -
BBC Three is launched
9 February 2003 -
Doomwatch
9 February 1970 -
Bagpuss
12 February 1974 -
The EBU - European Broadcasting Union formed
12 February 1950 -
Potter's Wheel Interlude
16 February 1953 -
Start of Six-Five Special
16 February 1957 -
The Apprentice
16 February 2005 -
Hospital Watch
17 February 1986 -
Elizabeth R
17 February 1971 -
One Man and His Dog
17 February 1976 -
Antiques Roadshow
18 February 1979 -
Tonight launched
18 February 1957 -
Wogan
18 February 1985 -
EastEnders first episode
19 February 1985 -
Open All Hours
20 February 1976 -
First national broadcast of prices for farmers
20 February 1925 -
General Election results televised for the first time
23 February 1950 -
Civilisation
23 February 1969 -
Yes Minister
25 February 1980 -
Mr Benn
25 February 1971