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Ant Anstead to replace workshop guru on hit classic series later this year
Mike Brewer and Edd China have ended their on-screen partnership after 14 years – with Ant Anstead taking over Edd’s place.
Discovery Communications has confirmed that Edd China, who masterminded the Wheeler Dealers classic car restorations, has now left the show. The pair will still appear at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show at the NEC later this month, but when the new series hits our screens later this year it will be the For The Love Of Cars classic guru heading up the workshop in each episode.
Edd China declined to comment on the change in line-up before this week’s issue went to press, but confirmed to Classic Car Weekly that he has left the show to pursue other projects.
Mike Brewer says he’s formed ‘a close brotherhood’ with Edd after 13 series of restoring classics, but says he believes that the show will continue to flourish.
‘Edd feels it’s time to spread his wings outside of our workshop and take on other challenges, which I completely support,’ he says.
‘He has some amazing ideas and I know he will flourish with whatever comes next. I can’t wait to see those famous orange gloves working their magic on another great build.’
Discovery has confirmed that the 14th series will be broadcast towards the end of this year, although it hasn’t confirmed what classics Mike and Ant will be buying and restoring.
Ant Anstead believes that – as it pioneered the format of buying classics and restoring them – most motoring TV shows can trace their roots back to Wheeler Dealers.
‘ When Edd told me he had made the decision to leave the show, I feared for the future of Wheeler Dealers, but now, I’m beyond excited to be a part of it. I grew up watching and learning from Edd and Mike, and in recent years have come to know both as close personal friends,’ he says.
‘It is with Edd’s blessing that I join the team for this new and exciting challenge. I hope he and viewers enjoy what I bring to the show and recognize that for me it’s always been about the love of cars.’
Discovery has thanked Edd China for the ‘care, dedication and effort’ put into the series over more than a decade.
‘ While we’ll miss his signature orange gloves, we know that anything they touch will turn to automotive gold,’ says Robert Scanlon, the network’s executive vice president and general manager of Velocity and automotive content. ‘ We’re committed to making
Wheeler Dealers the best automotive series on TV, and feel Ant brings the in-depth knowledge our viewers crave and a unique style our viewers will love. He, Mike Brewer and the production team are laser focused on delivering the best car projects and best episodes possible.’