Antiques Roadshow veteran criticizes BBC's 'woke' shift, fears ouster

A veteran Antiques Roadshow expert says he fears being pushed out as the BBC shifts toward what he describes as a more 'woke' ethos. Andy McConnell, a 72-year-old glass specialist who has appeared on Roadshow for more than two decades, told an audience at Banter with Bonkers in Somerset that he does not 'confirm to what the BBC are aspiring to' and warned that his days on the teatime program may be numbered because he does not fit the new direction.

He said management is hiring experts who 'have a limp' and are unqualified for the job, arguing the BBC prioritizes appearance over scholarship. 'Do you want the guy who has written books on the subject or t***pots who happen to walk with a limp - or whatever characteristics happen to be in demand this week?' McConnell said, asserting that some hires are chosen for traits rather than expertise and that his own opinions may be de-emphasized if they run counter to the network's current stance.

The veteran appraiser, who has appeared on Roadshow for more than 20 years, said he is frustrated by what he described as being hauled up by panels over complaints from colleagues. He said the last time he had been spoken to about his behaviour was over an incident he believed others had interpreted poorly and that such disciplinary processes reflect a broader shift in how the show manages its presenters.

A BBC spokesperson defended the program, stating, 'The line-up of experts have an incredible breadth and diversity of expertise, which reflect the variety of items brought to our roadshows up and down the country.' The response, reported in connection with the interview, underscores the network's position that the program showcases a wide range of knowledge and experience rather than adhering to a single template of expertise.

The Daily Mail notes that the interviews come amid broader discussions about on-air standards and what counts as acceptable content for Roadshow viewers. The outlet reports that a guest on a recent episode was told not to bring items or display them on-screen because they were deemed 'too offensive' for broadcast. In one segment, Robert Needs, a 68-year-old grandfather, described purchasing items from Sex, the Punk boutique linked to Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren, and later faced decisions about which pieces could be shown on camera.

Needs discussed vintage punk fashion from the Sex shop on the programme, where expert Lisa Lloyd evaluated pieces from his collection, including around 20 T-shirts valued at roughly £1,000 each. Need noted that some items were deemed unsuitable for on-screen display, and Lloyd described some garments as 'Incredibly un-PC' even as she valued the collection overall. Needs added that the Sex shop remains a symbol of the era and that the connections between fashion, music, and culture drew Welsh fans like himself to the scene in the 1970s.

The episode illustrates ongoing tensions over what constitutes appropriate content and expertise on a program that has long celebrated both historical artifacts and living memory. Proponents of the BBC's approach say Roadshow benefits from a diverse, regionally representative slate of experts and a wide range of items, which helps engage a broad audience while acknowledging changing cultural norms. Critics, however, argue that emphasis on woke principles and contemporary sensibilities can overshadow traditional scholarship and the depth of long-standing specialists.

The Roadshow remains a cultural mainstay for many viewers, with episodes continuing to draw attention to the provenance and context of artifacts from across the country. The BBC has not indicated imminent changes to the show’s format or lineup beyond reaffirming its commitment to breadth of expertise and accessibility for audiences nationwide.