One Antiques Roadshow icon has been left devastated by a tragic family loss, and had BBC fans flocking to support him as he confirmed the news on social media. Appraiser Mark Hill took to X and Instagram to share the heartbreaking loss of his father, who he affectionately called “Pa” in his tribute post.

He simply wrote: “Pa. (1940-2025). Thank you. If you wish, donations to @racingdementia.” The charity Race Against Dementia was established in 2016 by Sir Jackie Stewart after his wife was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aims to fundraise for new research into the terminal condition.

Mark included snaps of his father standing next to a Formula One car, looking dapper in a suit and tie, and a sweet snap of the pair enjoying a cup of tea together while his dad wore fluffy slippers.

Fans rushed to wish the antiques expert the best and offer their condolences, with one tweeting: “Sorry to hear this Mark.” Mark replied: “Thank you. It was his time.” Another posted: “Condolences to you and your family.”

Somebody else chimed in: “Sorry to hear this Mark. Dementia is such a cruel disease and we feel so helpless to see our friends and love ones go through it.” While another fan wrote: “Sincere condolences, Mark. He looks like a true gentleman; the picture of you two together says it all.”

Mark’s dad Roger Hill was a legend in his own field, acting as Chief Mechanic for the Tyrrell F1 Team, which won three Drivers’ Championships in the 1970s. The team also scooped a Constructors’ title with Jackie Stewart behind the wheel.

Their final grand prix win was in Detroit in 1983, before the team retired for good in 1998. But it was the precursor to today’s Mercedes-AMG F1 Team.

Hailing from New Zealand, Roger was “more or less Stewart’s personal mechanic and always worked on Jackie’s car”.