Quest Friday: From Salvage to Opal – A Treasure‑Hunting Marathon
It’s Friday, and Quest is throwing a full‑on treasure‑hunt marathon at you. Whether you’re a restoration fanatic, a gold‑rush dreamer, or a collector of oddities, the line‑up has a slot for you. Below is a quick guide to the shows that will keep you glued to your screen.
06:00 – 07:00 Salvage Hunters: The Restorers
Human Anatomy meets a workshop of wonder when sculptor Nick revives an antique anatomy model while Alex turns a cabinet into an attractive pair of cupboards. A quirky start that sets the tone for a day of reviving hidden gems.
Opinion: It’s a fun, light‑hearted opener. The premise is fresh, and the chemistry between Nick and Alex is engaging – a solid start to the marathon.
07:00 – 09:00 Salvage Hunters (two episodes)
First, Drew Pritchard explores a North London emporium filled with surprising antique fittings, then moves to a WWII hospital museum in Suffolk. The next hour takes him to a heritage railway station in Yorkshire, hunting a rare item that has never been seen before.
Opinion: The dual‑episode format gives a breadth of treasures. The show strikes a balance between history and adventure, keeping the pace lively.
09:00 – 11:00 Aussie Gold Hunters (two episodes)
Back in the Southern Hemisphere, the Gold Gypsies uncover a massive nugget, while Jake’s plan to rescue the Dirt Dogs ends in disaster. In the next hour, Alex Stead gambles on machinery, straining his marriage, while the Victoria Diggers find a rare artefact.
Opinion: The drama of high stakes mining is still entertaining. The personal stakes add depth beyond the glittering finds.
11:00 – 13:00 Outback Opal Hunters (two episodes)
The Tunnel Rats secure a lifeline, while veteran prospector Col Duff prepares for a week‑long opal hunt. The following hour tackles an injury crisis for the Young Guns and a breakthrough by the Cheals into an underground mine.
Opinion: The rugged Australian backdrop gives this segment an authentic edge. The narrative tension from injury to breakthrough keeps the viewers invested.
13:00 – 16:00 Salvage Hunters (three episodes)
From a coast‑to‑coast trek uncovering a triple sink to a 280‑mile journey along the British coastline, Drew and Tee uncover a treasure trove of objects.
Opinion: The variety of locations and discoveries makes these episodes a reliable watch for those who enjoy exploration.
16:00 – 18:00 Find It, Fix It, Flog It & Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House
Henry and Simon hunt for a Yamaha RD350 and a paraffin Tilley lamp to upgrade to electricity. Later, Brian enlists Angus to help his daughter raise money for a mixing desk while Angus visits Edwina’s home to support Ukraine.
Opinion: The mix of DIY restoration and auction philanthropy offers a pleasant contrast, catering to different interests.
18:00 – 20:00 The Yorkshire Auction House (two episodes)
Angus wrestles with valuing Victor’s homemade curios, finds a surprise at auction, and searches for treasures in eclectic collections. The next hour sees Angus selling possessions to fund a retirement in Cambodia and helping a widower part with items shared with his late wife.
Opinion: The emotional depth of the auction stories adds a human touch that balances the more adventurous segments.
20:00 – 22:00 Antiques Road Trip & The Repair Shop (two episodes)
On the Pembrokeshire coast, Tahmina Ghaffar faces a final chance for a win against David Harper, involving a quirky twist with insect burgers. The Repair Shop then brings a WWII trumpet, an old ironing board, and a painted cupboard back to life. The next hour sees a 100‑year‑old shipping log restored and treasured thatching tools revived.
Opinion: The juxtaposition of quirky antiques and heartfelt restorations provides a balanced viewing experience, highlighting the skill and care behind each piece.
22:00 – 00:30 How Do They Do It?
The show explores massive engineering feats from servicing the A380 to turning 1oz of uranium into 500,000 kWh of power, and building concert‑standard pianos. Subsequent episodes dive into jet pilot safety suits and robo‑cop technology.
Opinion: The technical depth is still engaging for curious minds, offering a satisfying conclusion to the day’s treasure hunting.
00:30 – 05:00 Teleshopping (two episodes)
Classic teleshopping segments wrap up the night. While not a prime time highlight, they serve as a quiet close to an eventful Friday.
Opinion: The teleshopping slots are a reliable, if low‑stakes, stopgap – a gentle wind‑down for viewers.
Bottom Line
Quest’s Friday schedule is a treasure‑hunting buffet that covers restoration, mining, auctions, and technical marvels. The lineup’s diversity ensures there’s a slot for every curiosity, while the strong focus on hands‑on storytelling keeps the content engaging. Whether you’re chasing opals or restoring a WWII trumpet, Quest delivers a day of discovery that stands up well to a busy Friday night.
Related Content
Check out other shows on Quest that dive into the world of antiques and restoration.
