Antiques Roadshow marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in a recent episode, which left fans of the show “in tears.”
As part of the reflective episode of the popular show, it was agreed the items brought in wouldn’t be valued by any experts because they were “priceless”.
Antiques Roadshow stalwart Fiona Bruce announced the change in format, explaining: “We’ll be unfolding the events surrounding D-Day through various items and artefacts you’ve shared with us for this special commemoration.
“Given the very personal and moving nature of the items we’ll be seeing tonight, our experts won’t be giving valuations. To each owner, their item is priceless.”
She then delved into the history of the World War Two event, stating: “From across the channel, the first troops stepped onto these shores on Tuesday June 6, 1944. A day that will be forever known as D-Day.”
The largest ever invasion took place on the day, with 156,000 allied troops landing by on five beachheads in Normandy.
Viewers were left in tears over the special episode
BBC
The special instalment of the programme saw people who had lived through D-Day sharing their own experiences and memories.
One was a radio operator who had been listening to the invasion as it happened.
She reflected: “The sounds of war, it was in my head, I think I grew up on that day.”
The specialists who usually feature in the show analysed items as normal but refrained from sharing a valuation.
The episode featured guests who shared moving stories
BBC
Each item had a link to the event, with one guest bringing along a photographic map her father had used to help him navigate where to land during a mission.
Reading a letter he had penned to his wife on the day he left, she stated: “Remember, when you do get this, be as proud as I feel myself being chosen to help launch this drive to free the world of all its terror and hardship.
“Everything will be ok, my love, as nothing can go wrong.”
Viewers tuned in were left in tears over the episode, with many taking to social media to express how moved they had been left.
One wrote: “I’m watching this compelling, deeply moving episode of #AntiquesRoadshow, honouring the bravery of those who landed on the Normandy beaches, and planning and support for #DDay. #DDay80.”
Fans were emotional as the 80th anniversary of D-Day was marked
BBC
“Thank you #antiquesroadshow,” another shared along with a crying emoji.
“Christ that D-Day #AntiquesRoadshow episode was outstanding. You’d have a heart of stone not to shed a tear. Braver than brave!” a third commented.
Another posted: “Dear old medal man. You just knew it was going to get emotional. #antiquesroadshow.”
“Amazing episode tonight #dday #antiquesroadshow,” someone else added, while another shared: #antiquesRoadShow Gripping #DDay. My father landed in a glider.” (sic)