Antiques Roadshow expert begs 'somebody stop me' as fans rush to support him

expert Mark Hill begged fans "somebody stop me" as he happened upon a potential purchase in a charity shop.

The expert appraiser locked eyes on a stunning painting of an island amid a rocky sea, complete with a gilt gold frame. Priced at only £5, the star couldn't resist purchasing the picture, despite his plea to fans.

Taking to his Instagram Stories to chart the saga, he wrote: "It's rather charming. And 60p more than the cup of coffee I just drank... And for a good cause too..."

He didn't confirm whether he went ahead with the purchase, but Mark was keen to promote his auction house's latest art sale with another painting, this time from an elderly artist. Stylised as an abstract self-portrait, Mark explained that artist Nadira Azzouz was 83 years old when she undertook the project.

He wrote: "Probably my favourite painting in tomorrow's @markhillauctions sale. Nadira Azzouz was 83 when she painted this! The energy, the colours! Check out the rest of the auction."

The painting itself is estimated to sell for £300-£400 at auction, but despite the hefty price tag, fans were keen to support Mark's latest endeavour. Taking to his Instagram comments section, one penned: "Wishing you all the best for tomorrow!"

Someone else wrote: "Did you end up buying the painting from your stories? Best of luck for the auction." Others simply chimed in with clapping hand emojis.

In his personal life off-camera, Mark tends to keep his cards close to his chest - but it is known that the 47-year-old art expert has a partner, whose identity he's kept secret.

The BBC staple shared a rare insight into their life together at Christmas, sharing the late Victorian travelling set he received as a present, with the caption: "Perfect Christmas gift! My partner knows me so well."

The Collectaholics star lives in London with his partner.