TV & Film
Antiques Roadshow guest left speechless by valuation of ‘worthless’ sapphire
This is incredible!
An Antiques Roadshow guest got a huge surprise when she found out a ‘worthless’ sapphire is actually worth a lot of money.
We all dream about inheriting something that is absolutely priceless, well one lucky Antiques Roadshow guest actually did – and she had no idea.
The expert, John Benjamin, left the guest speechless when he dropped the jaw-dropping (and pretty life-changing) revelation about the her grandmother’s brooch, which she had been told was ‘worthless’.
John began: “Now when we were sitting at the table back there you said to me, ‘I’ve got a brooch that’s always been known as the big blue blob.’
“And sure enough when you see it residing there in this case, it’s a big blue blob.”
Explaining the item’s history, she said: “I inherited it from my grandmother, who gave it to my father, who gave it to me to wear on my wedding day, which I did.”
“Well the brooch itself was made about the mid to the end of the 19th century so it is about 130, 140 years old,” John continued.
“The style of it is actually quite ordinary. It’s a cushion and it’s got a big blue cushion stone surrounded by white stones.
“Then we move on to the issue which is what actually is the bluestone and you’ve been told by some jewellers to take it away, it’s valueless.”
She revealed: “It’s costume jewellery, they didn’t believe us. They were quite rude to me and my husband.
“Some people said it was paste, some people said they weren’t real diamonds, some people said they were real diamonds but they weren’t good quality.”
John said: “So you’ve been told by a number of jewellers that it’s an inconsequential piece of costume jewellery mounted on a piece of blue glass worth nothing.
“So if I were to say whoever these jewellers were they were talking absolute rubbish, would you be happy to hear that?
“This is not a piece of jewellery of no consequence at all it is a piece of significant consequence because the stone in the middle is an absolutely enormous sapphire. Cushion-shaped sapphire.”
The guest gasped as John added: “Now just take in the size of it because usually if someone has a sapphire ring, it’s a small stone on the finger.
“But that sapphire, I’ve done an approximation of the weight of it and I think it weighs 25 to 30 carat. In the world of gemstones that’s quite big actually.
“It comes from Ceylon which is, of course, Sri Lanka today. Ceylon sapphires are typically this very bright cornflower blue colour
“The white stones – you were told blithely by a jeweller that these were paste. They’re diamonds, mounted up in gold and set in silver and it’s in its original fitted box and it’s an absolute screamer, it really is.”
Then it was finally time for John to reveal the valuation of the item leaving the owner and the crowd stunned.
“Now I have to be honest with you, I’ve done this show for so long I’ve never seen a sapphire of this size ever bought onto the Antiques Roadshow, this is a real first time for me,” he said.
“If I were to take such an item of jewellery and consign it to an auction I would expect it to make between £40,000 to £50,000.”
“Oh my word, I don’t want to swear,” the guest remarked. “Blooming heck!”
“Blooming heck indeed, it’s an absolute beauty. What else can I say about it? It’s fabulous,” John added.
If you’re not already rooting through you’re old jewellery box, what are you waiting for?!!?
TV & Film
Paul O’Grady wins posthumous National TV Award six months after his passing
A well deserved win
Comedian Paul O’Grady has won a National Television Award after passing away six months ago.
The late star was given the posthumous award at the ceremony, held on September 5th, for his popular show For the Love of Dogs.
The beloved TV personality, who was famous for his alter-ego Lily Savage, won over Clarkson’s Farm, Sort Your Life Out and The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, in the factual entertainment category.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home representatives accepted the award on O’Grady’s behalf.
They were accompanied by a rescue dog, who even gave its own hilarious tribute to the star as it began barking during the acceptance speech from Shaun Opperman, Veterinary Director at Battersea.
Mr Opperman said: “I would like to thank Paul, of course, and the ITV team… for shining a light on the care that we’re able to provide for the 100 or more dogs and cats that come to Battersea every week.
“I know that Paul cared deeply for each and every one of those animals. I think that something about their plight and their vulnerability really struck a chord with Paul. He often referred to Battersea as his second home.”
In a post on O’Grady’s Instagram page, a representative for the late star from Birkenhead wrote: “We wanted to take a moment to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted for ‘Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs’ at the NTAs.
“Your support means the world to us, and it’s a true testament to the incredible work @paulogrady has done for dogs and all animals.
“We couldn’t have done it without your unwavering support. It’s a moment of celebration not only for us but for all those furry friends who benefit from Paul’s dedication and passion.
“So, here’s to @paulogrady and his tireless efforts in making the world a better place for our beloved animals. We raise a glass in his honor and look forward to continuing our mission to help those in need.
“Thank you once again for your votes and for being a part of our journey.”
Everyone’s favourite duo Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, aka Ant and Dec, won the best TV presenter accolade for the 22nd consecutive time.
The pair said they are the ‘luckiest two men on telly’ in their acceptance speech, with McPartlin adding that they will continue to present together for ‘as long as you want us to’.
Hit BBC series Happy Valley, written by Sally Wainwright, was among the other big winners on the night. The hit three-part series bagged the returning drama prize.
Star of the show, actress Sarah Lancashire, also won best drama performance for her portrayal of Sergeant Catherine Cawood, ahead of her co-star James Norton, as well as Queen Charlotte’s India Amarteifio, Vera’s Brenda Blethyn and Call The Midwife’s Judy Parfitt.
Speaking to the audience, Lancashire said she ‘adored every scene’ of Happy Valley and ‘will never forget it’.
TV & Film
Married At First Sight UK reveals start date for brand new series
This looks like a good one!
The new series of Married At First Sight is returning to TV screens this month.
Fans of the E4 reality show can have their fill of the popular dating show which is set to return to screens sooner rather than later, on September 18th.
Fourteen brides and grooms will head to the altar in the hope of meeting their perfect match.
The new group of singles agree to marry a partner chosen for them by a team of relationship experts, Charlene Douglas, Paul C Brunson and Mel Schilling.
Set to be the longest running series yet, there will be an added six shows for fans to indulge in all the drama for a bit longer.
And if that’s not enough, this year will see a star from Geordie Shore as well as the first transgender contestant taking part in the search for marital bliss.
From Geordie Shore to MAFS UK, Nathaniel Valentino, 36, an events marketing manager with a jet-set lifestyle, is always on the move.
Perhaps a difficult one for the experts to match, Nathaniel says: “I don’t trust anyone but myself, but I hope they’ve done a good job that’s all I can say.”
Ella Ding will make history for the show being its first transgender bride.
Ella, 29, who lives with her nan, says they make the dynamic duo everyone needs.
Hopeful in meeting ‘the one’, Ella said: “This experiment is so much more than just me getting married. I see this as a big deal for someone who has transitioned.”
After the ceremony and celebrations are over, true love is well and truly put to the test, as the newlyweds will embark on a luxurious honeymoon, before moving in with each other AND their fellow couples.
TV & Film
New Netflix docuseries about horrifying true story which inspired The Conjuring 3
It sounds truly terrifying!
A new docuseries is coming to Netflix covering the horrifying true events which inspired The Conjuring 3.
Spooky season is almost here and horror and true crime lovers are in for a fright, as a new docuseries is set to land on Netflix next month.
The Devil on Trial – which is based on the story of The Conjuring 3 movie, The Devil Made Me Do It – will delight fans of the Conjuring saga.
Directed by Christopher Holt, The Devil on Trial ‘explores the first — and only — time demonic possession has officially been used as a defence in a US murder trial’.
This must-see true crime tale includes ‘firsthand accounts of alleged devil possession and a shocking murder – forcing us to reflect on our fear of the unknown’.
Those of you who have been brave enough to see The Conjuring 3 will already have a good idea of what it’s about, but for those who haven’t seen it, here’s a synopsis of the story…
In 1981, Arne Cheyenne Johnson claimed he had been possessed by a demonic supernatural entity that caused him to murder his landlord Alan Bono during a party.
Johnson denied personal responsibility for the crime.
The unusual and, let’s face it, wild claim, was officially put before the court, with the case going to trial – which became known as the ‘Devil Made Me Do It’ case.
An expert ghost hunting team were enlisted as part of the defence to prove Johnson’s innocence.
Ed and Lorraine Warren visited the family prior to the murder while trying to rid 11-year-old David Glatzel of a demon.
While having a formal exorcism performed on David, according to those present, a demon fled the child’s body and took up residence within Johnson.
Just a few months later, Johnson killed his landlord with his defence lawyer arguing he was possessed by an evil being.
But the judge ruled that such a defence could never be proven and was therefore infeasible in a court of law. Johnson was subsequently convicted, though he served only five years of a 10 to 20-year sentence.
The chilling tale attracted widespread media attention and has been adapted for screen and books, including The Conjuring 3.
The Devil on Trial is set to land on Netflix on October 17th.
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