Antiques

The second in a series of new John Smith’s TV ads breaks today with actor, writer and comedian Peter Kay resuming his role as John Smith, the UK’s archetypal No Nonsense man. Bolton funnyman Kay returned to TV screens earlier this month in Diner where, on a night out with friends, his plain-speaking honesty about his dream date brought an innocent conversation with his screen wife – played by actress Alison Darling – to an amusing and unexpected conclusion. This time the verbal sparring takes place at an antiques fair, set in the grounds of an imposing country mansion. As Kay listens intently and impatiently to the resident art expert valuing a watercolour he’s taken along, a gathering audience waits with bated breath to hear how much it’s worth. But his dream of owning a rare masterpiece is dashed when the expert confirms the worth of the painting to be just £200 much to the disbelief and disappointment of No Nonsense man.