Antiques Roadshow experts make first £1m find

Antiques Roadshow experts have valued their first £1m (€1.1m) item, it emerged today.

The identity of the record-breaking item will remain a closely guarded secret until the show is broadcast tomorrow night.

It was valued by art dealer Philip Mould, who is an authority on antique portrait paintings.

He examined the piece before filming then made the final dramatic valuation as the cameras rolled – leaving the owner speechless with shock.

BBC1 viewers will see the incredible valuation during tomorrow’s show from The Sage in Gateshead, England.

A BBC source confirmed that the “valuable and delicate” item, which was so rare presenter Fiona Bruce has to explain its history, is worth in excess of £1m (€1.1m).

“All we can say is the item was valued at a seven-figure sum,” he said.

Despite its massive valuation, the owner has said they are unlikely to ever sell the piece.

Previously the most valuable find on the show was a Mayoral collection of silver pieces worth £300,000 (€350,000) at Arundel Castle, West Sussex, England last year.

On the American version, the highest valuation was given to a Navajo blanket, worth $350,000 to $500,000 (€276,000 – €394,000).

The Sage was unavailable for comment.