The Antiques Roadshow is coming to Northern Ireland - and they need participants!

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and to comply with current government regulations, filming will be done differently this year with no large open events.

Instead, members of the public who want to get involved in the 44th series of the much loved family favourite, are asked to share the story of their items online.

Successful applicants will then be invited to take part in filming on a closed set with an invited audience only to ensure the safety of guests, production and the wider public.

A Roadshow expert will then reveal more about the craftsmanship, history and provenance of each piece – as well as the all-important value.

Returning for her 14th year at the helm, Fiona Bruce acknowledged the team’s success at recording the show under challenging circumstances in 2020 and encouraged people to apply to be a part of the programme in 2021.

“We were thrilled that we managed to make a series of the Antiques Roadshow last summer despite all the difficulties of filming during the pandemic. “Hopefully things will be easier this summer though life may not yet be back to normal by the time we start filming.

“So if you have an item that you’d like to bring along to the Roadshow, do please get in touch with us beforehand.

“Here’s hoping for a summer of great finds!”

Series editor Robert Murphy added: “We can’t wait to see what long lost treasures and family heirlooms might be lurking in the attic or gathering dust on a shelf.

“Sometimes it’s the most unexpected items that catch our interest – a silk escape map that belonged to a Caribbean airman in the Second World War, a 19th century guitar, a vintage movie poster, even old Star Wars toys!

“What mystery objects have you found during that lockdown clear-out? Get in touch and you’ll have a chance of being invited to the Roadshow this summer to find out more without even having to queue! We look forward to hearing from you.”

A spokesperson for the show added that editors will “work their magic to ensure we bring audiences the true Antiques Roadshow experience.”

*To take part in the upcoming series of the Antiques Roadshow or for more information visit - www.bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadshow or go on the show’s Facebook page.