Bargain Hunt fans were delighted when Izzie Balmer confirmed a new co-star was joining the popular BBCseries in an Instagram post. The jewellery expert took to the site to confirm the team would be expanding on Monday's episode, April 14.

Sharing some behind-the-scenes footage of the installment, Izzie welcomed newcomer Serhat Ahmet to the show and he is no stranger to the television world, having appeared on the Antiques Roadshow previously.

Updating fans, Izzie excitedly penned: "NEW EPISODE ALERT. This Monday, there's a new episode of Bargain Hunt on @bbcone and the DEBUT of the newest member to the Bargain Hunt family, the lovely @serhat_ahmet.

She added: "If you miss it, it will be on @bbciplayer @bbc." The post was met with lots of praise from fans who couldn't wait to see Serhat take to the stage.

One person penned: "I'll definitely be tuning in! Always love your episodes and looking forward to seeing Serhat Ahmet's debut," another commet read: "It's always good to see you, @izziedot. It'll be interesting to see how @serhat_ahmet does on his first @bbcbargainhunt."

A third user exclaimed: "Can't wait to watch it!"

Serhat boasts decades of experience working with secondhand antiques. Much like many of his peers on Bargain Hunt he has a speciality interest, his being European porcelain, especially pieces from the period 1720 to 1935.

He has already made his mark in the TV realm having made on-screen appearances on Antiques Roadshow in 2018 and also celebrity spin-off show Celebrity Road Trip.

It would seem that Serhat was born to be an antiques dealer and first started out in the business when he was 15, following in the footsteps of his family and working in their London shop.

He remained in the family business for 25 years before he decided to branch out and set up his own shop in 2013. Over on the BBC's website, it is understood that Serhat is a keen martial artist when he's not busy working or on TV.

Earlier this month, it was confirmed that Serhat would be a permanent fixture on the programme, following the announcement, he penned a statement expressing his own excitement to be joining the programme.

He said on X: "What an honour it is to be part of the wonderful family of Bargain Hunt experts." On his debut episode Serhat will join Izzie in Exeter, meeting two new teams, with Eric Knowles as host addressing the history of the city and the famous Cathedral.

Bargain Hunt airs on BBC One from 12:15pm.