Eastbourne

Joanna Page heads to the sunny seaside resort of Eastbourne – often dubbed the charity shop capital of the UK – for a sibling showdown with serious heart behind it.

Competing today are brother and sister David and Theresa, raising money for DKMS in memory of a close friend. With £100 each and just 60 minutes on the clock, they team up with expert thrifters Pete and Lola to scour Eastbourne’s packed high street for hidden treasures.

Theresa is drawn to items with a story. She takes an early gamble on a vintage Presto briefcase and a rare Matchbox watch, hoping their character and nostalgia will resonate with bidders. As the clock ticks down, she finds herself in a frantic race to spend the remainder of her budget, leading to a chaotic finish that leaves her wondering if she’s done enough.

David, meanwhile, adopts a broader strategy, mixing high-end fashion with solid resale staples. He spots designer Helmut Lang jeans and a vintage GAP down jacket, balancing style with recognisable labels. In a dramatic moment, he also manages to secure Joanna’s pick of the day – a set of Queen Anne style nesting tables – right from under his sister’s nose, adding fuel to the sibling rivalry.

For the upcycling challenge, their visions couldn’t be more different. Theresa opts for bold, sustainable fashion, transforming a blazer and floral dress into a bespoke three-piece ensemble. David takes a more traditional route, sending his nesting tables for a careful French polish restoration designed to enhance the natural wood grain and period charm.

At the live-streamed auction, tensions run high. David leans into showmanship, bringing humour and flair to his pitches – even finding unexpected success with a retro DVD box set. Theresa counters with confident, composed selling, particularly when showcasing her fashion finds and creative upcycle.

When live and online sales are combined, the result is incredibly tight – proof that every decision, and every detail, counts. But beyond the sibling rivalry, the real triumph is the substantial sum raised for DKMS, turning a sunny day of seaside thrifting into something truly meaningful.