Fans of the BBC's popular antiques show Bargain Hunt have been sent into a spin, fearing that beloved expert Danny Sebastian might be departing the programme. The concern erupted after the show's official social media account posted a cryptic message thanking him for the "memories".
Cryptic Message Sparks Fan Panic
The drama unfolded following the broadcast of the show's Christmas special, which aired on 23 December 2025. In the festive episode, Danny Sebastian, aged 59, appeared dressed in an elf costume alongside fellow experts Roo Irvine and Caroline Hawley, as they explored vintage children's toys at antique fairs.
After the episode, Danny took to social media to share behind-the-scenes snaps and express his enjoyment of filming. "I so enjoyed doing this programme, and I do hope you enjoyed it too," he wrote, also mentioning mince pies and a figure named Chef Mary while wishing fans a Merry Christmas.
It was then that the official BBC Bargain Hunt account responded directly to his post with the simple but loaded phrase: "Thanks for the memories, Danny." Sebastian replied, "Thanks for the show," further fuelling speculation that this was a farewell exchange.
BBC Moves to Quell Rumours
Alarmed viewers quickly flooded social media with questions, desperate for clarity. One fan directly asked, "Is this your last episode?" while another pleaded, "You’re not leaving, are you?"
In a bid to stop the rumours, the BBC swiftly intervened. The broadcaster replied to the concerned comments with a clear and concise "nope," indicating that Danny Sebastian is not, in fact, leaving Bargain Hunt at this time.
Danny's Lifelong Passion for Antiques
The scare comes as Danny Sebastian remains a firm favourite with audiences, known for his expertise and enthusiasm. In a past interview with The Lancashire Telegraph, he credited his mother for inspiring his lifelong passion for bargains and antiques.
He revealed that he began dealing in antiques from a young age after accompanying his mother to jumble sales and auction houses like Wilford's. "She loved a bargain," he said. "She’d buy anything as long as it was cheap."
Sebastian, who has been an antique dealer for over 20 years, described his career path as "fate," recalling a pivotal moment at an auction in the south of England. He stumbled upon a room prepared for a mid-20th-century sale and instantly fell in love with the items, deciding then to enter the trade.
For now, it appears fans can breathe a sigh of relief, with the BBC's brief denial suggesting the beloved expert will be returning to hunt for bargains once again.
