Fans of the popular BBC show Antiques Road Trip are clamoring for the return of auctioneer Charles Hanson, who has not graced their screens since 2023. The 46-year-old presenter, known for his engaging personality and expertise in antiques, recently sparked a wave of nostalgia among followers with a heartfelt social media post celebrating his friend and fellow auctioneer, Philip Serrell's birthday.
In his post on X, Charles shared a throwback photo of the two, reminiscing about their time together on the show. "Happy birthday to one of my best mates, Phil Serrell @PhilipSerrell," he wrote. "This was the first year of @AntiqueRoadTrip in 2009 and we modelled a father and son combo." Philip responded with humor, calling Charles a "cheeky devil," further endearing the duo to fans.
As viewers recall, Charles hasn't appeared on either Celebrity Antiques Road Trip or Bargain Hunt for over a year, leading many to express their desire for his return. Comments flooded in, with one fan stating, "It would be lovely to have you back on Bargain Hunt, Charles!" Another added, "I hope you will be back on TV soon," while a third chimed in with a direct plea: "@AntiqueRoadTrip Bring back Charles Hanson!"
Charles's absence from the screen comes just a month after he was cleared of serious allegations involving his wife, Rebecca Hanson. Following a trial at Derby Crown Court in February 2025, he was found not guilty of coercive control and assault allegations that had been leveled against him for over a decade. Speaking about the ordeal, Charles expressed relief, stating, "[The last 18 months] have been extremely upsetting. I've missed my children and quite simply, I can now get back to my life, and I relish that."
He described the trial as "very impactful" and thanked those who supported him during this challenging period. "I've experienced a long time of upset and I always believed in justice, and here we are today, the sun is shining and I can start my life again," he remarked outside the court.
Charles has been a staple of BBC programming since his debut on Bargain Hunt in 2002. He later joined Flog It! as an expert and became a regular on Antiques Road Trip from 2010. His passion for antiques is deeply rooted in his love for history. In a previous interview, he shared, "I chose to work with antiques because I love history; the question ‘if the object could talk what would it tell us’ is what keeps my interest; an auction is a theatre of drama and romance."
Meanwhile, the world of antiques continues to captivate audiences, as evidenced by another recent episode of Celebrity Antiques Road Trip featuring actress Joanna Page and opera singer Wynne Evans. This episode, which aired in 2023, showcased the duo's quest to uncover antique treasures in vintage shops across South Wales.
Assisted by experts Roo Irvine and Irita Marriott, Joanna and Wynne aimed to find valuable items priced below their worth, with the intention of flipping them at auction for a profit. During their search, Roo stumbled upon a Tiffany-style lamp priced at £950, which she described as "the nicest Tiffany lamp I have ever seen." However, Joanna was less than impressed, expressing her unease with the lamp's appearance. "Well it is beautiful, but I do have to say it sort of creeps me out a bit," she admitted.
Roo, taken aback by Joanna's reaction, pressed for clarification. Joanna elaborated, saying, "Because, oh my goodness, that is sort of just like half-alien and half-spider's face." Roo quickly saw the lamp through Joanna's perspective, exclaiming, "Oh yes! With the multiple eyes. Oh you have put me right off it now."
Despite the lamp's exquisite design, the duo quickly realized that it was beyond their budget, which was limited to £315. Roo believed the price tag was justified, stating, "I think for £950 you would get that in a heartbeat." Joanna, however, decisively replied, "Come on! Let's go. You cannot have it," leading to a humorous moment as they moved on in search of more suitable finds.
For context, the record-breaking price for a Tiffany lamp was achieved at a Christie's auction in 1997, where it sold for an astonishing $2.8 million (£2.1 million). Authentic Tiffany lamps, known for their stunning stained glass designs, were handcrafted by Tiffany and Co between 1890 and 1930, making them highly sought after by collectors.
As the antiques world continues to evolve, the absence of beloved figures like Charles Hanson is felt keenly by fans. His return to the screen would not only bring joy to his followers but also reinvigorate the charm and expertise that has made shows like Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt such staples of British television. With ongoing public support and interest, it seems that the antiques community is eagerly awaiting the day when Charles Hanson will once again share his passion for history and collectibles with audiences.
In the meantime, fans can continue to enjoy the antics and discoveries of Antiques Road Trip and its various spin-offs on BBC iPlayer, where the thrill of the hunt for hidden treasures remains as engaging as ever.
