THE 'mystery object' said to be the most valuable find ever presented to Antiques Roadshow is believed to be a replica of the FA Cup.

A single item shown to the experts on the show while filming in Harrogate this week has been valued at more than £1m – higher than anything else in the programme’s 38 years.

But the BBC is refusing to give further details of the treasure – and is insisting that fans will have to wait until the programme is broadcast next year.

The Corporation’s tight-lipped spokesman confirmed the object was the highest-valued object ever presented to the experts on the show but did give the teaser that it is a world-famous piece.

However, it is believed to be a replica of the FA Cup presented to Leeds United star Eddie Gray and his team-mates when they beat Arsenal in 1972.

The trophy is currently owned by Leeds United.

Insiders said it was taken to the show by Gray and TV presenter Gabby Logan.

The BBC One programme was being recorded at the Grade II-listed Royal Hall in Harrogate on Wednesday when the discovery was made.

“An item seen today at the Antiques Roadshow in Harrogate is the highest valued object ever to appear on the show in its 38-year history,” said the spokesman.

“It is a world famous piece owned by a sporting institution. The final valuation given will be revealed when the programme airs in spring 2016.”

The previous record for an item on the show was also set in the region when a bronze maquette – a scale model – of Sir Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North and owned by Gateshead council was valued at at least £1m in November 2008 by art expert Philip Mould.

That was £200,000 more than the actual 20m-metre high statue itself cost when it was built in the 1990s and installed beside the A1.

Previous record breakers on the show over the years include a 200-year-old musical penknife that was valued at £80,000 in 2015 and an Anthony van Dyck portrait valued at £400,000 which the owner bought for £400.

A collection of silver dating back to the reign of Charles II was valued at £300,000 and the car driven by racing legend Stirling Moss when he won the Charles Ferro Trophy in the Monte Carlo Rally in 1967 was valued a £50,000.

The mystery Harrogate object and its value will be revealed when the Antiques Roadshow, fronted by Fiona Bruce, is broadcast in April next year.

  • Readers have been sending in their suggestions for what the item is. Here are just a handful of the suggestions:

The Northern Echo:

Paul Addison: Is it Tomas Mejias' right glove?

The Northern Echo:

Paul Frost: A Manchester United League Cup Winner's medal?

The Northern Echo:

Chris Rayner: Don Bradman's cricket bat

The Northern Echo:

Mike Lowe: Dickie Bird's wallet

The Northern Echo:

"Bus" on Twitter: A bat Geofrrey Boycott hit a six with - "one of a kind"