Michael Aspel bids farewell to the Antiques Roadshow this weekend

Michael Aspel bids farewell to the Antiques Roadshow this weekend.

The veteran presenter's last programme, a retrospective, goes out on BBC1 on Sunday. Newsreader Fiona Bruce, takes over presenting duties in the show's 31st series in the autumn.

Over 500 Antiques Roadshow programmes have been broadcast since the show first aired in 1979.

Three other presenters, Hugh Scully, Angela Rippon and Bruce Parker, fronted the programme before Aspel, 75, took over in 2000.

In Sunday's episode, which has been filmed at Broadcasting House in London, Aspel looks back at some of the curious objects that have turned up over the years. They include a watch which was brought to his first Roadshow and once belonged to Lawrence of Arabia.

Aspel has said of his departure, following a run of more than 200 programmes: "I'm leaving while it's still going well."

His farewell appearance on Sunday will be the finale of the 30th series, which started in September last year.

Aspel said: "I've been on television for 50 years and have a very tidy mind, so it's great to finish on an anniversary while I am feeling totally fulfilled."

Regarding his own future in broadcasting, Aspel said: "I have no immediate plans, but that doesn't mean I won't be back if an interesting project comes along."