The Bidding Room
Actor Nigel Havers tells TV Times about presenting a new show from the makers of The Repair Shop
MONDAY-FRIDAY / BBC1
After 50-something years as an actor, non-stop Nigel Havers tells us about taking on the role of host for this celebration of antiques and their trade from the makers of The Repair Shop.
THE BIDDING ROOM
NEW MON-FRI / BBC1 / 3.45PM / EPS 1-5 of 30 / LIFESTYLE
Well-proportioned with classic good looks, and a charming addition to any period setting, you could say Nigel Havers is an apt choice to present BBC1’S brand-new antiques show,
The Bidding Room!
From the makers of The Repair Shop, the daytime series sees Nigel welcoming people with items to sell, who are then given advice by valuation expert Simon Bowers before haggling with five experienced antique dealers.
TV Times caught up with the everyouthful Nigel, 68, best known for The Charmer, Chariots of Fire and, more recently, playing con man Lewis Archer in Coronation Street, to find out more…
Did anything in particular on the show catch your eye? There were a few items I fancied for myself, but I’m not allowed to bid, unfortunately. In any case, my wife, Georgie, told me, ‘You’re not to buy anything!’
Is this the sort of programme you like to watch yourself?
I do watch shows like this, as I’ve been collecting antiques for many years. I collect all sorts – anything that tickles my fancy – and as a result my house is far too full of stuff. I could make a whole series just about that!
What are the pros of appearing as yourself on television?
You don’t have to get dressed up or learn any lines. Having spent 50 years learning lines, that’s great!
There’s a teddy bear for sale in episode one. Have you kept any items from your childhood?
I don’t know where my toys are! But a Hornby train set came in that was identical to the one I had as a kid and I nearly burst into tears! It was very touching, and I did get very emotionally involved with some of the items.
Have you learnt more about antiques doing this? I have, because Simon, the valuation specialist, is so knowledgeable. I almost consider myself to be a dealer now! If they were to bring back [classic BBC1 drama] Lovejoy, I’d do it in a heartbeat!
I COLLECT ALL SORTS – ANYTHING THAT TICKLES MY FANCY
Do you have many mementoes from films you’ve worked on?
I was given a lovely Indian carving when I worked on the film A Passage to India [released 1985]. I also have an Olympic medal from Chariots of Fire [1981], and I once gave the film script to Children in Need to auction it off for charity, but someone stole it!
You’ve done a lot of period pieces. What’s your favourite era? Georgian – it’s so easy on the eye. It’s like Brigitte Bardot’s face – everything about it was so beautifully proportioned, and that’s why she was so attractive.
Fashion-wise, the Downton
Abbey period [Nigel played Lord Hepworth in a Christmas special of the hit ITV drama, set in the early 20th century] is a nice one for men, with frock coats and so on.
Is it true you have a letter from Diana, Princess of Wales?
I do – that would be worth selling in The Bidding Room, wouldn’t it? Also my grandfather, who was a high court judge, got me the Beatles’ signatures. I also met the Rolling Stones, but I didn’t have the guts to ask them for theirs!
You performed a ventriloquism act on ITV’S celeb talent show Get Your Act Together in 2015. Do you have any other unusual skills?
I have no skills at all! Paul Zerdin [the ventriloquist] just gave up on me! Mind you, it is really difficult to do and he’s been doing it since he was five! But he has taught me about half a dozen brilliant magic tricks. They are mind-boggling, though I say it myself!
Is there any project you’ve said yes to that you later regretted? Only one, and you can probably guess that it’s I’m a Celebrity…get Me Out of Here – because of the sheer boredom! [Nigel decided to leave halfway through the 2010 series.] I just thought, ‘This is ridiculous. I am now leaving, thank you very much!’
Do you miss Coronation Street?
I really miss it – it is in my heart and it was a wonderful experience. But killing my character, Lewis, off like that was the right thing to do. Sue Nicholls [who plays Audrey Roberts] is such a close friend. When I left, she said to me, ‘Do you know your character has a twin brother who lives in Australia?!’
Jack Whitehall is your godson. Have you given him any advice? Jack’s father, Michael, was my agent for 40 years! When Jack was at school, he was doing a stand-up gig and asked me to come along. Afterwards he asked what I thought, and I said, ‘Have you considered being a doctor or a chartered accountant or something like that?’ He ignored my advice – and look what happened to him!
You’ve talked in the past about coming through difficult times in your life. What have you learned? That there’s always an end to it. It will come right – it always does.
THE BIDDING ROOM is previewed