Entertainment
Antiques Roadshow viewers hit with major nostalgia as iconic BBC test card star makes appearance-Louise Griffin-Entertainment – Metro
An icon!
Antiques Roadshow fans were in for some major nostalgia (Picture: BBC)
Antiques Roadshow did not skimp on the nostalgia and throwbacks for its centenary special, as it celebrated 100 years of the BBC with an appearance from the star of the iconic BBC test card.
Test Card F featured a little girl and a rather haunting clown figure and was used for around three decades, signalling that no programmes were being broadcast.
Carole Hersee, who was the little girl featured on the card, rocked up on Antiques Roadshow to chat about her unexpected fame.
She explained: ‘My father was helping to design the new test card for colour television, which is what the F stands for, because it’s the first test card in colour.
‘Previous letters were all black and white and they decided they wanted a child and the committee just said, “Why not just use one of your daughters?”
‘Unfortunately my sister had lost a tooth so she didn’t get picked and I did!’
Carole also revealed that Bubbles the clown was her own toy.
Carole Hersee, who starred on the card, opened up about her unexpected fame (Picture: BBC)
She even brought along Bubbles the clown (Picture: BBC)
‘I made him from a kit, because they needed the primary colours,’ she explained.
Meanwhile, the X on the noughts and crosses marks the centre of the screen.
‘I never got to win or lose the game,’ Carole said.
Bubbles was valued between £1500 and £2000, although Carole insisted he’s ‘not going anywhere’.
The test card was broadcast for three decades (Picture: BBC)
The test card was first broadcast on July 1, 1967 on BBC. It was developed by Carole’s father, George Hersee, and was frequently broadcast until 1987.
Elsewhere on the special episode of the show, a Doctor Who fan had their incredible collection of autographs valued at an astonishing £30,000.
The BBC is going all out to celebrate 100 years since it was launched, with special episodes of Strictly Come Dancing, Doctor Who, and other shows.
The Repair Shop will also feature an appearance from none other than King Charles, as he and the team open up about preserving heritage crafts.
Antiques Roadshow returns Sunday at 6:20pm on BBC One.
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