Fiona Bruce speaks out as irreplaceable BBC co-star dies suddenly
Antiques Roadshow presenter Fiona Bruce revealed she had been “in awe” of Judith Miller, whose expert knowledge she’d considered biblical – and that she believes it will be impossible to replace the hugely talented star.
In a BBC tribute, she mourned the loss of her co-star, who tragically died over the Easter weekend after battling a short illness.
“When I started on Antiques Roadshow, I was in awe of the experts – and none more so than Judith,” Fiona shared, saying she is already missing her.
Referring to her publishing achievements, she exclaimed: “She was Miller of Miller’s Guides no less, the bible of the antiques world when it came to valuations.
“Plus, she had authored many other books, too many to list, some of which were already on my bookshelf.”
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She added that, though Judith was always in high demand, she was “gracious and generous with her knowledge”.
“[She was] helpful to me and our whole team… and when our filming day had finished, she was never short of great stories accompanied by a glass of her favourite tipple, Pinot Grigio!” Fiona fondly recalled.
She concluded: “She was the doyenne of the antiques world and of our show. Irreplaceable. And hugely missed.”
Judith is survived by her husband, John Wainwright, her three children and her four grandchildren.
The star’s contributions to the world of antiques will be honoured in a special tribute show, the BBC has announced.
Until then, the Antiques Roadshow Series Editor, Robert Murphy, has also publicly paid tribute to the hugely popular team member, whom he described as “an inspiration to a generation of aspiring antiques experts”.
“Her astute knowledge of ceramics was a given, but Judith also had an eye for the eclectic and the bizarre, from ingenious mechanical toys to quirky dolls with colour changing eyes,” he marvelled.
“She was a great champion of costume jewellery and vintage fashion, and her eyes would light up when she had the chance to appraise a rare piece from Biba or Vivienne Westwood.”
He added that she was “unfailingly kind and patient” behind the scenes, and that an “immensely knowledgeable expert” had been lost.
Meanwhile, the BBC’s Senior Head of Commissioning, Catherine Catton, chimed in with her own tribute, declaring: “Judith was at the heart of Antiques Roadshow for many years and her warmth, wit and expertise will be very much missed by the team and viewers.”
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