BBC's Fake or Fortune guest sobs over eyewatering value of 'Winston Churchill' painting

A Fake or Fortune guest was left emotional and in tears after learning the potential value of a painting he believed may have been painted by Sir Winston Churchill. The moving moment aired on Monday night (July 21), as the BBC One show returned with a brand new series, fronted by Fiona Bruce and art expert Philip Mould. The episode centred on Barry James, a passionate carer and art collector, who revealed he had bought the artwork for just £140 at an antiques fair in Ardingly, West Sussex.

The painting, which depicted a peaceful English garden on a summer's day, was thought to possibly be one of Churchill's lost works from 1916. If genuine, Philip told Barry the piece could be worth an astonishing £600,000. Barry was visibly emotional as the experts examined the painting, with tears in his eyes at the possibility that his modest purchase could change his life.

Fiona told viewers: "Barry James, a passionate carer and art collector, believes he may have done just that."

Philip added: "So the owner of the painting has agreed to show it to us in one of the houses that Churchill used to stay in. You'll love it. A modest sort of place."

When the painting was unveiled for the first time on screen, Fiona described it as "very pretty work, isn't it?" while Philip asked: "Could this painting of an English garden on a summer's day be one of Sir Winston's lost works?"

Barry's excitement, however, was met with heartbreak by the end of the programme, when the team revealed it remained inconclusive whether the painting was indeed by Churchill.

The BBC show noted that no official body currently authenticates Churchill's work, meaning they were unable to confirm or deny its origin.

Barry was once again seen fighting back tears as the outcome was delivered. Despite the emotional rollercoaster, he told Fiona and Philip that he would wait and see if more evidence came to light in future.

"Got to love Barry on tonight's #FakeOrFortune, he seems like a really nice bloke. I really hope someone offers him a £million for that Churchill painting," said one fan on X.

"What a stupid and frustrating thing that the Churchill experts won't authenticate the picture," penned another, while a third chimed in: "Woah! It's incredible with the ups and downs of seeking authentication. So near but like the auction house recommended, more time will tell..."

Despite leaving with no answer, fans remain hopeful for Barry, who was keen to spend some of the money to take his disabled son on holiday. "Oh, fingers crossed for Barry," another fan gushed.