Ep 1. Episode 1

Antiques Road Trip is back with its 21st season, and this first episode sees three new pairs of experts taking to the road to hunt down the best antiques and collectibles across the United Kingdom.

Each duo is given a set budget of £200 and the task to find unique items that they can sell at auction for a profit. The first pair comprises of Mark Stacey and Izzie Balmer, both of whom are regulars on the show. They kick off their journey in Burford, Oxford, where they explore an antiques fair in search of some valuable items. Mark immediately homes in on a set of antique scales, while Izzie is drawn to a vintage brass lamp. After some negotiation, and with their combined bargaining skills, they manage to secure both items within their budget.

The second pairing features Antiques Road Trip newcomer Jo Manser and her expert partner Charles Hanson. They begin their trip in a historic market town of Bury St Edmunds where they find local dealers brimming with antique Indian treasures. Jo is particularly intrigued by a set of framed botanical prints, while Charles sets his sights on a rare KPM porcelain plaque. The two manage to haggle their way to a deal on both items and are feeling confident about making a good profit at auction.

The final duo consists of Annette Greenwood and Raj Bisram, a pair of experts who have previously made guest appearances on the show. They start their trip at the Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire, where they discover a variety of antiques ranging from industrial artifacts to vintage toys. Annette falls in love with a set of vintage garden seed packets, while Raj is drawn to a rare John Speed map of Shropshire. Despite some stiff competition from other buyers, they manage to snag both items within their allocated budget.

As the teams hit the road in their classic cars, they make several pit stops, including the picturesque town of Chipping Norton, where they visit a shop specializing in antique textiles, and the sprawling Newark Antiques Fair, where they hunt for bargains among hundreds of stalls. Along the way, they encounter some interesting characters, learn about the history of the items they purchase, and share their expertise with each other.

The climax of the episode sees the teams converge in an auction house in Nottinghamshire, where they will try to sell their items for the highest price possible. As the bidding begins, tensions run high, and the experts nervously watch as their treasures go under the hammer. Some manage to achieve big profits, while others fall short of their expectations.

Overall, this first episode of Antiques Road Trip season 21 is a thrilling ride full of fascinating finds and unexpected discoveries. Fans of the show will not be disappointed by the vibrant personalities of the new pairs of experts, and the beautiful British countryside makes for a stunning backdrop to the hunt for antiques.