ITV : Bling

PRESS PACK

A Twofour and Possessed TV co-production for ITV

Press Contact: Anna Reid, PR Manager, Twofour, [e-mail]

The information contained herein is embargoed from all press, online, social media, non-commercial publication or syndication - in the public domain - until Tuesday 5 October 2021.

Synopsis

Hosted by Gok Wan, this 20 x 60' daytime series delves into the dazzling world of jewellery and beyond; from buying and selling to making and fixing eye-catching pieces, figurines and more.

In the show's very own Bling store, bling is king. It's a one-stop shop with four distinct counters, one dedicated to each process, with charismatic experts on hand to guide, advise and get the best deals.

The series is full of heart-warming stories as excited couples seek that perfect wedding band, sell a hidden gem such as delicate jewellery, fix a much-loved family treasure, or even create a one-off bespoke item. Customers also share the more emotive stories behind their trinkets - beloved family heirlooms they hope are not damaged beyond repair or treasured objects belonging to a departed loved one.

Meanwhile, the craft experts at the fix and make counters will have their skills stretched as they work on everything from necklaces to pocket watches. All are set to be wowed and surprised.

Join Gok and the team as eye-catching items, emotional stories, hard bargains and quick deals collide under one roof.

Episode 1

In the first episode, King of Bling Gok Wan welcomes Jess through the shiny jewellery store doors. Jess visits Nikki on the Make counter with an inherited heirloom, which is in need of a tricky transformation. Elsewhere, Mr Freeze on the Sell counter reveals the long-forgotten charms of Carolyn's bracelet, which been handed down the generations. Lining up for Lance on the Fix counter is Emma with a magical pocket watch in need of a movement makeover. Also busy on the Buy counter is Lydia who's cashing in on Tracy's success on the Sell counter with customer Louise, who just can't resist a bit of Bling.

Interview with Gok Wan

"Fashion forms the words to tell people who we are, and the jewellery becomes the soundtrack behind that." - Gok Wan

Can you tell us about your new series, Bling?

It's all about jewellery - we've all got jewellery in our homes, jewellery you wear, jewellery you've been given, heirlooms. It's the most wonderful hour of learning about people, learning about history and where things come from. Every single story is packed with love. We've got four jewellery counters - a Make counter, a Buy counter, a Sell counter and a Fix counter. Every single one of our groups of contributors, whether it's a couple, a family or a single person, are going to bring an item of jewellery, such as a ring, an earring, a stone that they might have been given by a family member when they are younger and they want to do something with it. So they want to sell it, fix it or make it. The most wonderful thing is we get to hear the story behind this item and it's so full of heart and love. You would never imagine that a single bracelet or necklace would bring so many tears to your eyes, but it really can. But that's not just me, that's the entire crew making this TV programme. You'll see the most wonderful stories and follow the item's journey from start to finish. You'll hear about the backstory, meet the people and hear revealing stories about who they are and where they are from, but you also get to see a reveal at the end of it. You get to see what happens with this item.. And it's so, so gorgeous.

When it was first pitched to me, I had no idea at all if it would work because it's a brand new format. From day one when we met the first contributors, we knew absolutely we had tapped into something that you hadn't done before. It's fun, it's full of heart.

What are your favourite pieces and stories from the series?

I've got several. It's really hard, as I shouldn't have favourites - it's like choosing a favourite child which none of us should do really! The stories with a lot of heart really tug on me. I was born that way - I love a romantic and heartfelt story. A few couples we meet on the show are very dynamic. Some of them have gone through, or are going through very big things in their lives, whether that's to do with health or new relationships, and those stories stand out for me.

It's not even about the product, because even if they brought in a ring from the top of a coke can and put it on the table, and tell you their story, you can't help but fall in love with that product. And they are probably the ones that really, really got to me the most. The proof is in the pudding when you sit and watch the programme - you will fall in love with these people. Actually, the last 18 months, every single one of us has fallen in love with our neighbours more than we ever have done before. We've taken a keen interest in how people live their lives and what they have been through. I think the compassion element of our souls has just gone through the roof in the last 18 months and this show comes at the perfect time for that. But having said all of that, there's moments where you see really incredible - the best - Kashmiri sapphire in the world in front of us in this store. If we had never made this programme or you have not watched this programme, we never would see a Kashmiri

sapphire in our entire life. There are other moments where the story isn't that big, but you look at the most beautiful gemstone, the most gorgeous jewellery… and also there's other things like learning about pocket watches. I had no idea at all about pocket watches! I'd always liked them - they're beautiful, but then when you hear our expert Lance... It's just phenomenal talking about artistry, and the amount of time and effort that goes into making these really beautifully handcrafted pieces. You can't help but fall in love with them. So there's a real mixture.

What touched you the most?

There's not one single story. However, there's one story you'll see on camera where I could barely speak because I cried so much. Such a sad story, but we brought some light into their lives, it was lovely. But you'll see it in the show.

What did you learn while presenting the series?

I learnt that I loved jewellery even more than I thought I did. From day one of filming, I was like, my god I'm invested in this!

I also learnt wealth is not about the finest gold, or the most beautifully cut diamond… it is embedded in all the pieces and the majority of that wealth comes from people passing the product to you, handing it down, or preparing something. We had a story of a woman who wanted a ring for her daughter's 18th birthday, but she wanted to combine her other two children into this ring. This ring is packed full of love. It's also got a birthstone, which is just beautiful. So I learnt that actually, it doesn't need to be worth lots of money, or have the finest jewels … you can feel like a goddess, or a princess, or a queen, every single day, just by wearing what you have, as long as that jewellery has a story behind it.

You've been in the fashion business for years - what does jewellery mean to you?

Jewellery for me is a massive statement about who you are. You could have a black T-shirt, a black pair of jeans and black trainers and look like everybody else - or like a waiter depending on how you are wearing it! And the moment you throw in a massive hooped earring, a contemporary ring, a watch, it changes everything. It is one of the most powerful accessories and makes a statement about how we are presenting ourselves.

Fashion is never about the highest trend or what's 'in' this season - it's always about how we present ourselves, that narrative. It's almost the words to tell people who we are, and the jewellery becomes the soundtrack behind that. Without either or, it can feel a bit flat. Jewellery has always been a big part of my life for that reason.

Why do you think it's so special to so many people?

Jewellery is so sentimental. It's often gifted. Whether that's gifting because of a death, it's in a will, or whether that's gifting for a wedding day or a present or whatever. Before the product is bought there's an intention there, and those intentions are so beautiful. And what happens with Bling, the TV show, is we are privy to those intentions from the very beginning, and you get to follow that. I think jewellery is just so beautiful, so lovely to look at, but even

better to wear. It's such a shame really, as there are probably millions of people out there who have got the most beautiful jewellery and they never wear it, and I think after watching this programme you will go to your jewellery box and look to see what you've got. Even if it's not worth millions of pounds, it could be worth millions of memories.

Do you have a personal favourite piece of jewellery?

I've got several pieces. I had a ring made in this programme, and it's become my favourite ring, which I made in dedication to my family, who I miss constantly, you'll see why I had it made, and the product that I used to have it made, and the incredible silversmith - or goldsmith - Kieran made it for me. You get to see it in the programme and it's gorgeous.

Do you have a top tip for those wanting to experiment or enhance a look with Jewellery?

Jewellery that suits your personality, definitely. If you're a bit boho, a bit left of centre, a bit hippy, then don't be afraid to go down that route of all the moonstones and the slightly more decorative pieces. If you are flamboyant and vivacious and loud and full of personality, don't be afraid to wear costume jewellery or statement pieces. Equally, if you are quite subdued or laid back or centred, go for the simple pieces. But wear jewellery, as there is so much pleasure from wearing those pieces. They can completely reinvent a look. I'm never without my jewellery, I wear it every single day. I feel underdressed unless I'm wearing it. It gives confidence in a bizarre way. It's not to do with the product and what it's made from, it's about me decorating my body.

What's your top feel good tip - inside or out?

Have an honest relationship with your mirror. And just be honest.

ENDS