Hebden Bridge

Joanna Page heads to the creative heart of Hebden Bridge – a former mill town famed for its independent spirit and as a filming location for the BBC TV series Happy Valley.

Today’s competitors are friends Emma and Sophie, who first met on a fashion shoot for Dove House Hospice. Now they’re going head-to-head to raise as much money as possible for the charity that brought them together. Guiding them are expert vintage thrifters – and husbands – Tom and Terry.

The teams quickly reveal very different shopping styles. Sophie and Tom dive straight into the nearest shop, where Sophie’s love of oversized menswear leads her to a vintage St Michael jacket – a nostalgic find with added appeal thanks to its 'Made in the UK' label. Emma and Terry take a steadier approach, carefully assessing a rare red rotary dial telephone before building a collection packed with retro charm.

The hunt for Joanna’s pick of the day – an original 1970s Holly Hobbie doll – adds extra jeopardy. While Tom hesitates over the gamble, Sophie trusts her instinct and pushes to secure the collectable toy. As time slips away, Emma and Terry uncover a colourful 1960s picnic set and an eye-catching Murano-style glass duck that divides opinion but promises personality at auction.

For the upcycling challenge, creativity takes centre stage. Emma selects a vintage rocking chair and plans to re-cover it using fabric from animal-illustrated curtains – a bold, characterful refresh. Sophie, however, leaves her upcycle decision perilously late, eventually opting for an unexpected sleeping bag with plans to transform it into a statement padded coat.

The final minutes are frantic for Sophie and Tom, who scramble to spend the remainder of their budget. With Joanna urging them on, they squeeze in a last-second dash for additional vintage finds before they run out of time.

At the live-streamed auction, both friends must swap browsing rails for the rostrum. Emma channels calm confidence, while Sophie leans into theatrical flair. With bids climbing and pride on the line, it’s a spirited showdown, but whatever the outcome, Dove House Hospice stands to benefit from a creative, chaotic and thoroughly entertaining day on Hebden Bridge's high street.