Antiques Roadshow's Judith Miller dies: Show pundit dies suddenly aged 71

Antiques Roadshow favorite Judith Miller has died suddenly aged 71.

The showman and author died over Easter weekend after a battle with a short illness.

Antiques Roadshow host Fiona Bruce led the tributes after Judith’s publishing house released a statement saying her death came as a “huge shock” to all.

The BBC also announced that the show would pay a special tribute to Judith in an upcoming episode.

Fiona, 58, who has presented the BBC program since 1988, said Judith will be greatly missed.

She said: “When I started the Antiques Roadshow I was in awe of the experts – and none more so than Judith.

Antiques Roadshow favorite Judith Miller has died suddenly aged 71.

Talented: Judith started collecting antiques while studying history at the University of Edinburgh (pictured in 1999)

She was no less Miller of Miller’s Guides, the antiques world’s bible for appraisals.

“Furthermore, she had written many other books, too many to list, some of which were already on my library.

“But she was always gracious and generous with her knowledge, helpful to me and our whole team.

“And when our day of filming ended, she was never short of great stories accompanied by a glass of her favorite drink, Pinot Grigio. She was the dean of the antique world and of our living room. Irreplaceable. And greatly missed.

Antiques Roadshow series editor Robert Murphy said: “Judith was a hugely popular member of the Roadshow team and an inspiration to a generation of budding antiques experts.

“Judith brought so much warmth and good humor to a show, whether it was chatting with visitors and hearing about their treasures or sharing a few stories with the crew after a busy day.

“She had a lovely way of telling a story in front of the camera, always putting the owner of an object at ease and imparting her knowledge with care and enthusiasm, and she was also unfailingly kind and patient. in the wings. We have lost an extremely knowledgeable expert, a passionate antiquities advocate, and a highly valued member of our team.

Devastating: Her publishing house issued a statement in tribute to Judith and said her death was a ‘huge shock’ for all

Family: Judith leaves behind husband John Wainwright, three children and four grandchildren (pictured in 2009)

Sad: Antiques Roadshow host Fiona Bruce led the tributes as the program airs a special tribute to her memory

Alison Starling, of publishing house Octopus, said: “I have been fortunate enough to work with Judith on and off for the past 30 years and the news of her death is a huge shock.”

“She had such energy and spirit – and always combined her impressive and in-depth knowledge of antiques with a lifelong passion for making the world of collecting accessible and non-intimidating for all.

“Judith will be sorely missed by all those readers and viewers who turned to her for expert and reassuring advice.”

Judith’s Antiques Roadshow colleague Marc Allum posted a photo of him and Will Farmer with their “great friend” in a touching tribute.

He wrote: “It is with great sadness that I post this photo of our great friend and @BBC_ARoadshow colleague, Judith Miller, who passed away this weekend.

“She was magnanimous in giving me writing work early in my career. Here with Will Farmer too, all our thoughts are with his family. RIP.’

Fans of the show also took to Twitter to share their condolences over the sad news as well.

One viewer wrote: ‘My deepest condolences go out to the loved ones and friends of Judith Miller – a leading figure in the antiques industry.

“His guides brought knowledge to a wider audience. One of my heroes, I had the chance to meet her a few times, she was very kind and encouraging, RIP.

Another added: ‘So sorry to hear that. Her books were my start for a love of antiques. RIP Judith Miller’.

Another Antiques Roadshow fan wrote: “Miller’s Price Guides took me on a journey through antiques in the early 1990’s and I’m so sad to hear that Judith Miller died over Easter. I had lunch with Judith a year ago and we ignored the menu price guide for once… A lovely lady.

“Saddened to read this, I met her in Newby Hall a few years ago when she was reviewing an article for the Roadshow. A wonderfully endearing lady. Condolences to her family and friends,” said another.

Judith co-authored the famous Miller’s Antiques Price Guide with her first husband Martin Miller in 1979.

She went on to publish over 100 books on antiques and interiors, from Care & Repair of Antiques & Collectables to a Collectors Guide to Costume Jewellery.