FANS of Antiques Roadshow were left in tears as the BBC paid tribute to one of their most beloved experts following his death.
Henry Sandon was a regular on the show, known as the resident porcelain expert, and Fiona Bruce remembered him during a special montage of his best moments following the latest episode of the programme on Sunday.
The Antiques Roadshow regular passed away on Christmas Day aged 95 while residing in a care home in Malvern, Worcestershire.
A stalwart of the programme, Henry made his debut in 1979 and had remained as part of the team throughout known for his beady eye when it came to all things ceramics and porcelain.
In order to pay tribute to the star’s long-lasting legacy and work on the popular programme, Fiona Bruce gave a moving voiceover as she discussed his life and legacy.
Fiona said alongside classic clips of the star: “We recently received the sad news that Henry Sandon, a member of our expert team since the earliest days of the Roadshow, had died aged 95.”
In one scene, Fiona could be seen stood next to Harry as they discussed the history behind one item as she recalled how Harry had a love and passion for his work from a young age.
She continued: “Born in London in 1928, Henry was evacuated during the Second World War and eventually settled in Worcester where his discovery of Roman and Medieval pottery in the garden would lead to a lifelong passion for ceramics.
“Henry joined the Antiques Roadshow in 1979. His knowledge of porcelain, and in particular Royal Worcester was unparalleled.”
Confirming his death at the time, Sandon’s son John said: “To the millions who tuned in every Sunday evening to watch The Antiques Roadshow, Henry was like a favourite uncle.
“His enthusiasm for even the humblest piece of chipped china was infectious.
“His joy when he discovered a rare Staffordshire pottery owl jug, nicknamed ‘Ozzie’, was a magic TV moment few will forget.”
In a memorable moment for the late star, Henry had the chance to personally present a gift to Queen Elizabeth II after having received an MBE.
Having been given the honour as a result of his 30-plus year career within broadcasting and antiques, Henry offered Her Majesty something in return – a porcelain ornament of one of her grey horses.
Recalling the moment, Henry said at the time: “She screamed with delight and said, ‘It’s my horse!’
“Tears came into her eyes, she loved the thing so much.”
Fans were left moved by the tribute with many left in tears as they took to X – formerly Twitter – to share their heartbreak at his passing.
One devastated fan said: “RIP Henry Sandon he loved a pot #antique #antiquesroadshow.”
Someone else shared a slew of crying emojis as they wrote: “Dear old Henry Sandon. #AntiquesRoadshow.”
Before a third added: “Henry Sandon was one of the most delightful experts, truly missed #AntiquesRoadshow.”
Henry was last seen on-screen on the BBC show in 2018, aged 90, where he presented an edition from Cardiff.
It saw him at his finest as he got the crowd in stitches when he joked to the day’s guest, “Can I have it back?,” at a rather impressive item.
Antiques Roadshow airs Sundays at 8pm on BBC One.