A KNUTSFORD fine art specialist has joined forces with chat show king Alan Titchmarsh for a new television show.

Masterpiece is an ITV1 quiz show with a twist that tests contestants knowledge of antiques and collectibles in stately homes across the country.

Rachel Houston Holland, who is the regional head of fine art at Wright Marshall Auctioneers, will guide teams of two around the stately homes as they try to find out which is the masterpiece hidden amongst the pieces of jewellery, art or furniture.

Rachel, who is 35, said: "I set the teams various challenges throughout the show before revealing the true value of the pieces.

"It's a very interesting show with a different concept, and we filmed everything on location rather than in a studio."

Alan Titchmarsh fronted his own chat show for eight years but the new show combines features of Antiques Roadshow with Bargain Hunt, with added challenges.

Rachel, who grew up in Whitegate but now lives in Hartford, said: "I enjoyed every minute of each show and this was my first television role as a presenter.

"We filmed Antiques Road Trip and, after that show, I was asked to present Masterpiece with Alan.

"It was very hard work but Alan and I got on very well.

"He was very generous and took time to show me what to do.

"I love my job at Wright Marshall and it has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to do something different."

Twenty episodes of Masterpiece have already been filmed and they will air at 3pm on ITV1 every weekday starting on Monday, February 15.