Antiques Roadshow tragedies - Fiona Bruce's horror health news to star's unexpected death

Antiques Roadshow has been a staple in many British homes since 1974, as millions tune in to see the treasures people have in their possession, and it's often emotional appraisals from the show's knowledgeable experts. From ceramics, jewellery, pictures and miscellaneous items, throughout the years, viewers have seen a revolving door of appraisers, many of whom have become fan favourites. While the programme focuses on treasures from across Britain, the familiar faces from Antiques Roadshow often keep their personal lives private and away from the spotlight.

Despite this, the show's beloved host, Fiona Bruce, recently opened up about a "mortifying" conversation with her doctor that prompted her to change her lifestyle and encouraged others to do the same. The 61-year-old recounted an incident where she went in for a routine check-up, and when she was asked about her level of physical activity, Fiona told the doctor: "None," which was met with an unexpected reaction.

Speaking with Woman and Home, the host recalled: "I never did any exercise until I went to see a GP before or just after I had Sam," she revealed, referring to her now 27-year-old son, Sam Sharocks.

Highlighting the doctor's surprise, Fiona revealed she was prompted to add: "'Literally none?' I said 'no' and I was mortified because she was so appalled."

In the years since, Fiona has embraced exercise for the energy and stress relief it provides, as she added to the publication: "To me, exercise isn't about living longer, but it gives me energy, and I don't know what I'd be like without it."

A more serious tragedy has also struck for the experts, including the show's ceramics and glass expert, Eric Knowles, who faced an awful family ordeal in 2014.

Eric, who has also enjoyed 50 years on the show, was left heartbroken following the death of his son, Sebastian, who was killed while driving on the M40 in Buckinghamshire.

The 26-year-old, who was affectionally known as Seb, was a renowned DJ but tragically died after his Mercedes collided with a lorry at around 3:30 am, while the sole lorry driver was left unharmed.

Following the devastating incident, Knowles took bereavement leave and cancelled several scheduled appearances through his agent. In 2012, fans issued their heartfelt tributes after it was revealed that Antiques Roadshow expert Alice Gibson-Watt had died, just one month after welcoming her first daughter, Chiara, with husband Anthony Gibson-Watt.

While they were overjoyed to welcome the new addition, the excitement soon turned into despair after Alice began suffering from mental health issues and experienced post-partum psychosis.

The debilitating illness left the jewellery expert convinced that her newborn daughter was in imminent danger, which only intensified her distress. On the day of her tragic death, Anthony provided a heartbreaking account of the ordeal they faced.

He described how Alice, overwhelmed by an extreme panic attack, was crawling frantically around their bed on all fours. After emergency services were called to the scene and she was later admitted to a mental health unit, Alice tragically died in the hospital after suffering a ruptured liver and internal bleeding.

Earlier this year, the Antiques Roadshow family suffered another loss as TV star Michael Baggot died aged 65. The devastating news was confirmed on the antique expert's official social media pages with a statement confirming he died of a heart attack after suffering a stroke.

"Heartbroken to share that Michael died yesterday in hospital of a heart attack following a stroke in October," the statement reads. "He was a deeply loved son, brother, nephew, and uncle and will be profoundly missed. There will be a memorial service in the coming weeks, the details of which will be shared here."

Antiques Road Trip's Timothy Medhurst was among the tributes, who wrote: "Such a sad post to see, an oracle of knowledge - always happy to give a youngster in the business kind opinions on my (probably basic) questions without any hesitation."

Antiques Roadshow expert Mark Hill was also supported by fans after sharing the death of his Formula One legend father, Roger.

BBC viewers rallied around him and showered him with tributes after the expert took to X and shared the tragic news in a moving statement where he lovingly referred to his late father as "Pa".

Mark shared photographs of his father posing beside a Formula One car, looking sharp in a smart suit and tie. He also shared a touching image of the duo sharing tea while his dad sported cosy slippers. He captioned the post: "Pa. (1940-2025). Thank you. If you wish, donations to @racingdementia."

The charity Race Against Dementia was founded in 2016 by Sir Jackie Stewart following his wife's diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia and works to raise funds for fresh research into the devastating illness.

Supporters flooded in to offer their sympathies to the antiques specialist, with one writing: "Sorry to hear this Mark." Mark responded: "Thank you. It was his time.