The shows are recorded with members of the public in their homes. Homeowners have to choose between sentimental attachment and money offers for their possessions. Three antiques dealers go into their homes to bid for items they want to buy. Independent valuers put an estimate on how much they think the items are worth. This figure is revealed to the seller and the audienceat home. Items are found by the dealers, who make their own valuation and try to purchase them by placing a cash offer on items around the home and give some advice or information on the Antiques. The bids are left in sealed envelopes next to the desired items and the offers are kept secret from fellow dealers until the homeowners opens them. From series three the Dealers were allowed to revise their offers up either by placing a new sealed bid next to the item or upping their bid when the homeowners sees their offer. The seller then decides whether to accept or decline the deal. If they think it is worth more it will often end in a bidding war to see what dealer will pay the best price and take the item. The show was revamped for series 3 with dramatic music and new titles with the presenter role dropped and a change in the format. In the first and second series the presenter would be present with the home owner and a choice would be given to accept or decline with the occasional option for the dealers to appear and up there bids. As the presenter role was dropped this part of the show was altered. The dealers would now come face to face with the home owner after the bids are placed. Each of the dealers bids are then revealed for the particular item. The dealers then have a chance to up there price going head to head against each other until the best offer is given. Another notable difference from 3 included several dealers dropped; leaving the eight most popular as chosen by members of the public.
The Dealers
Alison Chapman
Karen Dalmeny
David Ford
Tim Hogarth
Mike Melody
Simon Schneider
Christopher Selkirk
Mark Stevens
Controversies
In late 2017, ITV announced that they were moving away from antique style shows. It is alleged, that the head of programming for ITV Daytime, 'is not a fan of antique programs'. This, apparently, is one of main reasons the series will not return. Another alleged reason, is due to fact that some of the dealers, are no-longer in contact. Therefore, it would be difficult to get everyone working together again. It was also rumoured, that along with many other ITV programs, the show would be temporally rested; with the possibility of it returning in late 2017. ITV have confirmed that this is not true. During an interview on an online chat show; Mark Stevens, Star of the show, stated "Secret Dealer is one of the most watched shows on ITV Daytime, fact. You've just got to look at the ratings". Steven's also mentioned the fact the show received 'respectful' ratings after airing a re-run of the last series. The host of the show along with the audience were very supportive in that the series should return.
