It was a fall in numbers for the contemporary version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's detective stories, which had been watched by 8.4m when its New Year’s Day special in 2016 was broadcast. The three-part series in 2014 averaged 8.9m.
The Antiques Roadshow, which averages some five million viewers an episode, is producing a 40th anniversary series this year. It will begin with a recording at Minehead Railway Station, home of the West Somerset Railway which is the longest heritage railway in England.
Special Memorabilia Episode
The BBC is also inviting the public to submit items for a special memorabilia episode to be filmed in the Queen Vic pub of Eastenders fame. It is asking for submissions of memorabilia in advance for selection.
Last year the programme outperformed ITV’s X Factor and the relaunched Top Gear on the BBC.
Presenter Fiona Bruce will also celebrate her tenth series this year.
Antiques Roadshow was first recorded as a pilot show at Hereford Town Hall on May 17 1977, presented by Bruce Parker with antiques expert Arthur Negus.
