Pawn stars
MILLION POUND PAWN ITV, 8pm
WITH jaw-dropping assets on offer, from gold mines or jewels, to helicopters or houseboats this is an eye-opening insight into the world of pawnbroking.
Often dubbed the oldest form of banking, this industry can be highly lucrative and fast-moving.
This three-parter visits pawnbrokers across the country, meeting the people doing the deals and also those wishing to sell.
Everyone involved wants to make as much money as possible, but as London pawnbroker Ray says: “It’s all about finding the sweet spot.”
After a tough year, there are some poor wealthy individuals who might need to sell a supercar or two to make ends meet.
“When people are asset rich and cash poor, pawnbroking is a life line,” explains Ray.
His first customer of the day is 26-year-old Hayes, who runs a concierge service for high net worth individuals, booking everything from the nannies or cleaner to restaurant tables and even holidays.
Hayes wants to sell a top of the range Lamborghini, which cost £222,000.
Ray is going to get it valued at a supercar garage. Meanwhile, in Cheshire, broker Kathy meets Dene, ex singer from Black Lace, who wants £4,000 for his prized Rolex watch.
While over in Sheffield, kingpin broker Dan meets Fran, inset left,, who is hoping for cash from family heirlooms to fund medical treatment for her son.
“We all need pawnbrokers,” says Fran, “But I wouldn’t trust ‘em as far as I could throw ‘em.”
The stakes are high – and the characters great fun – in this mind-boggling world of big bucks and fast deals.