I was on Bargain Hunt – we were banned from buying certain items and there is an easy way that contestants can cheat

A BARGAIN Hunt winning duo has opened up about some of the secrets behind-the-scenes on the show, including an easy way contestants could get away with cheating.

Simon and Rosie Ellis took home the title of Bargain Hunt winners despite making a loss on their antiques.

The father and daughter shared that they were left surprised by some aspects of the show while filming.

One thing they didn't account for was copyright rules which determined what items they were allowed to buy.

Managing director Simon revealed that they were planning to buy a Coca Cola sign but were told not to by show bosses.

He added: "You couldn't buy a picture of Marilyn Monroe for instance, because if you showed it on the camera that would be copyrighted and they'd have to pay a fee."

Marketing assistant Rosie also told the that there was one item they managed to haggle down to £3.50 - before producers stepped in.

She said: "They said the Bargain Hunt can only show sales in pounds so we had to go up to £4. We could've got more profit!"

Although the BBC show appears to only give contestants one hour to make all three purchases, Simon and Rosie shared that the reality is very different.

The family members say they were at the antiques fair for at least three hours filming on and off, and also added that some of the footage is staged.

Rosie explained: "They keep stopping the timer to go back over the scenes. You'll film an interaction and they'll jump in and say 'no, no, no, you can't do that'.

"So they'll go back and tell you to put your hand somewhere different and repeat what you said and then they start the timer."

There is also a way that contestants can cheat - but Simon said it's conspicuous, so bargain hunters will be unlikely to risk it.

He disclosed that if family members or friends secretly bid on an item it can drive up the price.

"It's so obvious in the episodes when someone has cheated though," he laughed.

"You can always tell when someone's like 'oh wow, that's made a lot of money' and it's not like they lose anything because you keep the profit."