Antiques Roadshow expert left devastated by death of beloved ‘co-star’ – as fans pay tribute
ANTIQUES Roadshow fans have been left devastated by the death of Minou the cat.
The feline has featured in the opening credits for the BBC show for years, walking among a number of vases and ornaments on a sideboard, before nearly knocking one over.
Minou had been dubbed 'Wiltshire's most famous feline' thanks to his starring role on the show and became a firm fan favourite.
However his owner - antiques expert Marc Allum - revealed the sad news that he had been put to sleep by a vet on March 2 as his health had deteriorated.
Taking to social media to pay tribute, Marc shared a snap of Minou and wrote: "For almost 17 years this beautiful creature has been a central part of our lives. Today we had to say goodbye to Minou.
"The pleasure he gave us is beyond measure. We will miss him soooo much but he will still pop up on your screens on the titles of @BBC_ARoadshow Such a star!"
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Marc had rescued Minou as a kitten while in France and had previously described him as a "one-in-a-million" cat.
Antiques Roadshow fans immediately shared their sadness, with one tweeting: "Sorry to hear that Marc and as a cat lover I sympathise. A great picture of a very handsome cat."
Another wrote: "A very sad moment...xxx'; I’m saddened to hear that the Antiques Roadshow cat Minou, probably Wiltshire’s most famous feline, has died aged 17.
"My strolls past his home in Chippenham will never be the same — I will miss giving him lots of attention. RIP."
Marc was touched by all the comments and tweeted: "Lots of lovely memories of a wonderful cat. Sad, but it's a good sad."
Roo Irvine, who appears on Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt, also paid her respects.
She tweeted: "Oh my… I am so heartbroken to hear this…. beautiful little Minou…. an absolute star… I wish I had met her but I know she had the most loving life."
Marc replied: "Thanks Roo, such a special creature and I know how you feel about cats too. Warm regards to you, Marc."
Antiques Roadshow airs on Sundays on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.