Drew Pritchard has shared what sets his show apart from other antique programmes, adding he uses “all of his own money”. Having launched in 2011, Salvage Hunters sees the antiques dealer, restorer and architecture expert, travel the country searching for hidden gems from shops, fairs and old mansions which he then re-sells through his online antique shop.
The on-screen host spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk and shared why he feels Salvage Hunters has continued to draw in huge audiences.
“Since day one I’ve always said everything I do will be for real,” he explained. “Everything will be authentic. All of the buys are by me and I pay for them. We’re the only programme in this country that does that.”
He continued: “All the other antique programmes, it isn’t their money. We’re the only people [who use our own money]. It’s an authentic, genuine experience.”
Salvage Hunters has since returned to Quest with brand new episodes and series 18 also sees a major change for the show, with the departure of Drew’s longtime travel companion John Tee (aka ‘T’).
The show’s leading expert is joined by two assistants, fellow dealers Alister Dryburgh and Viki Knott, and Drew uses his expertise to mentor them in the business of antiques. It comes after T’s exit was announced last year.
“I’ve known Alister for 20 years,” Drew explained. “I’ve been buying with him and off him and he’s been buying from me for over 20 years.”
The expert continued: “He finds things down in Wales that might suit me and vice versa. He began as a postman but he was always buying and selling things. So I got to know him nearly 25 years ago.
“And Viki I filmed with about two and a half years ago and instantly when we met I thought, ‘she is really good’. So when T said he would like to retire now, he’s got other things that he wants to do I said, well I would really like to get Vicky involved and she agreed.”
Sharing what viewers can expect from the new episodes is a lot more advice and buying tips.
Drew shared: “The three of us are doubling up on the stuff that we’re finding. You will see a lot more knowledge being shared with people and a lot more buying tips. A lot more tips on what is coming through that’s in vogue.
“A lot more coming in how the business works because we’re all dealers because we’re all doing the same thing but differently.”
Series 18 of Salvage Hunters airs on Quest, Wednesdays at 9pm. Also available to stream on discovery+
