BBC Bargain Hunt expert Gary Pe's life from biggest regret to roots

Antiques Roadshow's latest instalment featured expert Gary Pe, who comes with a fascinating backstory fuelled by a rich family tradition of storytelling. Growing up in the Philippines, Gary was surrounded by narratives crafted around treasured family possessions.

"There is a strong storytelling tradition," he reveals. "Often, these stories would revolve around objects that have been passed on from generation to generation."

"And there was no better weaver of tales or keeper of old objects than my own grandmother. She kept everything because they were full of 'recuerdos' (memories), she said. And her memory was elephantine! ".

"The older the object, the more vivid the memories, the more fascinating the stories. Often, they would turn into epic reminiscences."

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"From that point, I began to look at old objects as keepers of secrets, of tales just waiting to be unlocked. I was hooked," Gary shared with Source Vintage Antiques.

Gary fondly remembers one of his most treasured discoveries: a Picasso ceramic wall plaque unearthed in a Swedish junk shop, which was later auctioned off at Christie’s in New York. Despite his numerous successes, Gary admits he has seller’s remorse about some items, especially his once vast collection of Moorcroft ceramics from garage sales when residing in Montreal.

"I sold them all before moving to the UK in 1992, fearing breakages if I took them with me. Big mistake," he laments.

Apart from antiques, Gary's life is rich with other interests, including a dedication to nature, animal welfare and a hidden talent for singing.

He runs his own YouTube channel, featuring a selection of his musical performances, describing himself as an "occasional crooner". The celebrity expressed his appreciation for his Bargain Hunt colleagues on X, previously known as Twitter, posting a collection of snapshots of the team.

He included the caption: "The real heroes of Bargain Hunt- the production team and crew who do all the hard graft."