Hastings

Joanna Page heads to the historic seaside town of Hastings, where a dramatic coastline and bustling high street set the stage for a fiercely competitive thrifting challenge.

Partners James and Elaine are going head-to-head to raise as much money as possible for a cause close to their hearts. With 15 charity shops to explore, £100 each to spend and just 60 minutes on the clock, they split up with expert thrifters – and married duo – Pete and Lola to hunt for hidden gems.

Elaine and former police officer Pete take a measured and methodical approach. Together, they search for reliable, resale-friendly pieces – items with solid value and broad appeal. Across town, James and Lola are on the lookout for something more daring: a potential star buy that could steal the spotlight at auction and swing the competition in their favour.

From vintage teapots to designer labels and overlooked curiosities, both teams scour shelves and rails in the hope of striking gold. Meanwhile, Joanna keeps watch and has her own pick of the day hidden in plain sight: a pair of 1970s binoculars with serious retro appeal for anyone sharp enough to spot them.

As the clock ticks down, decisions must be made quickly. With budgets dwindling and time slipping away, last-minute dashes to the till test nerves and strategy alike.

But the real challenge begins when the shopping stops. Each team must prepare their chosen pieces for a live-streamed online auction, using presentation skills and persuasive sales patter to win over digital bidders. From polishing and styling to storytelling and staging, every detail matters.

When auction day arrives, it’s a battle of confidence and intuition. Elaine relies on calm authority, while James leans into energy and enthusiasm. As bids rise and tensions build, the outcome hangs in the balance.
In Hastings, it’s not just about who finds the best bargains – it’s about who can sell them. And while only one team can claim victory, the real winner is the charity pot, boosted by a fast-paced day of seaside thrifting.