BBC forced to issue statement as fans spot glaring Antiques Roadshow WWII error in D-Day special
Antiques Roadshow viewers were left confused with the error
BBC
During a recent special episode - Antiques Roadshow: D-Day - the BBC show commemorated the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings of 1944, but many fans were left confused as they noticed an awkward error with one of the items.
Fiona Bruce and her team of experts travelled to Normandy and Portsmouth with veteran Ken Cooke to film the episode which saw historic items brought in by visitors and showcased in the museum to commemorate the Second World War event.
However, during the episode, an incorrect map showing the direction of travel of D-Day troops caught the eye of viewers at home as they realised it incorrectly marked the south coast town of Weymouth, appearing to confuse it with Poole, located 30 miles away.
Flocking to their X accounts to point out the error, one asked: "Excuse me, Fiona Bruce, but where exactly is Weymouth?"
"I was stunned that something so basic could be got so wrong; on such an important episode of one of their flagship programmes," another said before a third added: "Some poor researcher is probably getting the hairdryer treatment right now; how embarrassing."
Another expressed: 'Although Poole and Weymouth are in the same county they are miles apart. Weymouth was a major embarkation point for the Americans who went to Omaha Beach and it should not have been overlooked like this.
Bruce and her experts travelled to Normandy and Portsmouth with veteran Ken Cooke as a guest to film the episode
BBC
"It's a good job that those who planned D-Day didn't make such basic errors on their mapping." (sic)
Since the obvious error was pointed out, the BBC has acknowledged the inaccuracy and confirmed it had been amended via a statement to Radio Times.
A spokesperson said: "A graphic recreation of a wartime map incorrectly positioned the town of Weymouth. This has been corrected for future broadcasts."
The synopsis for the episode read: "Fiona Bruce presents a special edition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, filmed in Normandy, France, and the D-Day Museum Portsmouth.
Antiques Roadshow fans were left annoyed at the geographical error
BBC
"The story of the landings are told through various items brought in by visitors and rare artefacts held in various museums across the UK, and there are eyewitness accounts from those who played a part, including radio operator Marie Scott and veteran Ken Scott."
The gaffe comes after fans were outraged after a recent episode saw none of the items given a valuation.
Bruce and the experts were at St Thomas’ and St Bartholomew’s hospitals in London for the instalment and discussed several historical artefacts with ties to the hospital's history.
However, the lack of valuations left many outraged and threatening to switch off, claiming "it's about antiques" and not storytelling.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
- ITV BGT fans outraged by rumoured Bruno Tonioli replacement amid speculation he's been 'DROPPED' from panel
- BBC Breakfast's Charlie Stayt 'facing bankruptcy' following HMRC petition in huge blow to broadcaster
- BBC Peaky Blinders fans left concerned as they issue warning over Cillian Murphy return in new Netflix movie
Viewers were also annoyed that none of the items viewed were being valued
BBC
This isn't the first time that viewers have been disappointed with some items not being evaluated, as Frances Christie recently refused to value a WWII painting due to its personal connection to the guest.
Ronnie Archer-Morgan has previously done the same thing, after last year he decided not to put a price on an old ivory disc due to its links to the slave trade.
You may like
