2 weeks Ago By Bethany Whittingham
Michael McIntyre is known for his hilarious stand-up gigs and cheeky BBC pranks on his primetime show Michael McIntyre’s Big Show. The 49-year-old has pulled pranks on some of the UK’s biggest national treasures including Michael Sheen, Danny Dyer, Bruno Tonioli, and Bradley Walsh. But in 2023, the broadcaster decided to take out his mischievous antics out on the beloved BBC evening programme Antiques Roadshow , which many fans have branded the “best prank ever”.
During the TV special, the comedian introduced viewers to audience members Paulene and her antiques-obsessed husband Danny. Earlier on in the week, Michael visited their home while Danny was at work to swipe some of the collector’s valuable antiques including a vintage doll, dated crockery and an 19th century painting. While Danny was hard at work, Michael brought along a box of his things to the Antiques Roadshow where he was greeted by host Fiona Bruce and expert Marc Allum.
Surrounded by 2,000 attendees for the TV special, the dad-of-two set up his very own spoof version of the show where the freelance art dealer jokingly valued his pieces. With his wife Paulene’s support, the team managed to trick the unsuspecting fan that some of his desirable finds were worth thousands. At the start of the episode, Fiona couldn’t help but drop some cheeky hints that the episode was a spoof which went blissfully over Danny’s head.
She opened the show saying: “So where am I? Sommerseat, of course, known for its cheddar cheese and Glastonbury festival, but what treasures have our visitors brought along? Well, invites have been sent to all in the area, we’re hoping for a few unexpected stars so I’m sure we’re in for a big show.” Danny could barely believe his eyes as several pieces from his man cave popped up on screen throughout the specially curated episode, as he excitedly squealed: “I’ve got one of those outside! This is well worth watching, isn’t it?” For the TV special, Michael gave the TV experts “full license” to make up whatever they liked about his items, with one expert revealing that a figurine he purchased for £4 was actually worth £500. Other surprise mentions were his two pewter tankards, which another expert revealed had had a hidden musical talent, and a vintage doll which had been valued at £100,000.
Taking the prank to another step, an audience member was spotted fainting in the background before his exercise bike made an appearance. It was at this point that Michael McIntyre posed as a brand-new expert where he wore a fake nose and a wig. During his cheeky segment, the actor playing the guest on the show revealed that the red exercise bike was once owned Sir Chris Hoy which sent Danny reeling as he inspected his possessions around the house.
After rolling back the footage, Danny finally twigged that it was Michael in disguise moments before the funnyman walked into his house with a camera crew. At the end of the show, Danny revealed that Michael purchased one of his figures featured in the TV special, forking out £380 for his £4 charity shop buy..
