Wheeler Dealers

Wheeler Dealers: Mike Brewer’s war on haters

Wheeler Dealers returned to our screens this week for Series 14, and while long-term host Mike Brewer is back, everyone’s favourite mechanic Edd China sadly is not. Following Edd’s departure, Ant Anstead took over the spanner-spinning duties and reactions from fans have been mixed.

Roughly half seemed to be pleased with the first episode, which featured a 1995 Ford Escort RS Cosworth, after finding out that the workshop aspect of the show hadn’t been reduced as previously feared. Brewer’s on-screen chemistry with Anstead was also praised and was described as “instant”.

“I am one of the biggest Edd fans, but #WheelerDealers is now @AntAnstead in the garage and he’s fantastic. @mikebrewer crack on! #Velocity,” Matthew J. Jowanna wrote on Twitter.

“WheelerDealers @mikebrewer @antanstead Wow! Great start to the new season! Loved that car. You both are so much fun to watch. Thank you,” Sheree Anderson added.

Some fans, on the other hand, lamented the fact that Wheeler Dealers won’t be shown on UK screens until 2018 – which is something they’d prefer to blame Brewer for personally, despite him having absolutely no say in that decision.

In the video above which was live-streamed on Facebook, Brewer said he was ‘disappointed’ that Wheeler Dealers won’t be shown outside of America in the short term. “That’s got nothing to do with us, it is way above our pay-grade,” he said. “We don’t have say in it, we don’t even know it’s going to happen – and that’s the absolute truth.”

“We’re desperate for this show to be shown in our home territory, which is the UK. We can’t wait for that,” he added.

Understandably, the decision to delay the airing of Wheeler Dealers on UK screens until 2018 hasn’t gone down well with fans – who fear that the show has become too ‘Americanised’ and the original British fanbase ignored as a result. But Brewer has never been one to shy away from an argument on social media and regularly responds to criticism directed at the show.

In light of recent events, Brewer took a moment to reach out to all the haters. “There’s a lot of hate in the world. You think about what’s going on in the world, either in London, in Paris, in Vegas recently,” he said. “There’s a lot of hate in the world. So just try to spread a little bit of love.”

“It’s a car show and it’s all about the cars. That’s all we do.”

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54 comments

Nicky P August 21, 2022 at 1:32 am

DEAR EDD CHINA PLEASE READ THIS!!!!!!! When anyone’s character/personality is assessed , and you only see them on TV , it helps that it’s over a long period. The reason is consistency ! Edd China has shown that a graph of his demeanour would be a sine wave similar to a gently rolling Sea , with shallow troughs and peaks . He is unfailingly polite , has a good sense of humour , is a terrific mechanic and , also , has creative engineering skills that include making his own tools ! Even though some of the early fixes could have been better , equally, i don’t have any information as to budget issues and time restraints which may have bearing .One element of the personality of Mr. China that stands out is that he always wants to do as professional a job as possible, and he has demonstrated that commitment Consistently . This is the keystone of his popularity. There are sighs of resignation when a clunker comes to the workshop, but that shows his ability to control and compromise with his logical approach._You may imagine he is slow to anger, and intelligent enough to resist showing it ._.This must be difficult when someone implies that enjoying a well deserved cup of tea after completely rebuilding an engine is Edd being lazy . -,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Yes , i understand Edd has to be subjected to Mr Brewer’s sledgehammer wit and comedic antics to give the illusion of friendly banter based on one joke ;That Edd is a chimp who can use tools , while Mr Brewer does the really difficult stuff like take a part off a shelf or watch a professional rebuild a turbo and let him “help” by fitting a couple of rubber seals ! By the time Mr Brewer returns to the workshop, his role is expanded (for comedic effect?) to make it seem as though he has personally rebuilt the turbo whilst blindfolded , underwater , with a hammer and a set of screwdrivers from a Christmas cracker !. It’s easy to see how it worked well in the beginning , but would it be true to say that Mr Brewer quite often mistakes the fine line between “assertive “, and aggressive, Let us not forget dominating and commanding , as in “COME ON ! Have a deal with me ! with hand extended for the expected handshake and sometimes the other on the unlucky recipient’s shoulder. That’s someone TELLING me , not asking. There should have been occasions when Edd was allowed a stronger wittily sarcastic putdown and achieve some balance, but despite a few feeble attempts, it seemed like a sop to make Edd feel comfortable (?) Finally , Edd perhaps fell victim to allowing the compromise between proper skills and , erm , lighthearted comedy to become slightly demeaning , (do i have have to be insulted and denigrated every episode?) . When it came down to what’s really important -his work and the way it’s presented -he stuck to his high standards and found that Mr Brewer’s idea of loyalty doesn’t extend to people who disagree with him or affect his earnings! Edd left with dignity , albeit dented , and even gracious to a person he believed to be a friend . For balance, Mr Brewer’s keen eye for quickly finding issues with vehicles he buys speaks volumes about the amount of time he spent at auctions . Let’s also compliment his massive contact base to source vehicles parts and services ._Good stuff to complement Edd’s skills. I am watching WD as i write this , and sure enough,when the prospective buyer makes a pretty reasonable offer ,Mr Brewer’s response is “not in my lifetime ” Why doesn’t he just spit in his face ! Maybe he’s not understanding that this guy didn’t offer £5 for that gorgeous Blue E-Type , so it’s insulting and totally disproportionate, almost bullying , and that’s happened many times . Mr Brewer is not a master of controlling his temper and displeasure showing on his face and in his stance .As for Edd , his wife must be a very happy lady (Wonder what she thinks of Mr Brewer ?) . Edd is the kind of man mum’s wish their daughter had married , friendly, kind , generous hearted , hard worker and intelligent and skilled. (wish my sister married him , instead of that bastard who keeps cheating on her !) So Mr China, enjoy your freedom, and pursue your dreams ._. I wonder about a collaboration with you and James May ! Many people love your work and the way you do it , and present it; so wish you and wife happy days ahead and more of you on my TV .Thank you for my education..Nicky

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Mark Glassen February 18, 2021 at 8:07 am

I agree with the majority sentiment here. Brewer’s role adds very little to the show. Edd and Ant’s scripted confrontations with Mike are so contrived they are hard to watch. Only reason I watch the show is education I receive from Edd and Ant. Oh…and Ant seems full of him self, but quite skilled. Edd is brilliant, yet modest. Personally, glad to see the show going back to UK. We have so many American car shows, I like to see what is going on in Europe with cars.

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Jan April 17, 2021 at 3:58 am

Exactly. (IMO it’s already dead) Open up with 1 minute Brewer is buying and selling a car tops, let the rest over to the mechanical engineering. Brewer is so full of himself and getting rid of him on the now VERY shortened show is the only way it will survive. I just ‘watched’ the last series and NOTHING is explained mechanically. Brewer has to rethink himself and go back to the original British series. Now he’s only a time consuming clown.

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Thomas April 25, 2022 at 1:18 pm

Brewer seems to equate what he does with the difficult jobs that Ed and Ant do!! In peoples opinion,He ripped,off the farmer who sold and re- purchased,the VW Porche,and the Lady who bought the red TR6

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Kevin Hurley August 23, 2020 at 2:39 pm

Wheeler dealers is over. Despite Edd being the worker and Mike the mouth the show worked.
They should have stopped the show after E dd left and retain the hipe it created. None of the cars were perfect show room quality but that not what the show was about. Sort out the problems, make them safe and sell them on.

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John morgan June 7, 2020 at 9:03 am

Edd China was really the reason people watched the show ,mike just portrayed himself as a mouth almighty which went down like a lead balloon, he needs to pull his head in and settle down just comes across as a typical bullshitting car dealer .but a guess that won’t happen as this is what car dealers are like lies and deception anything to sell a vehicle.I for one would not bother to take the time to give it air space n the future.Its quite obvious he has what they call short man syndrome and has to be heard.

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Kay Humes May 10, 2020 at 5:12 am

I have always loved Mike Brewer hes great in Wheeler dealers and I wish him and his new sidekick well
I Have no wish too offend

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Brian Willis March 8, 2020 at 12:29 pm

Mike Brewer turned out to be a rotund little blowhard who constantly referred to the Great Edd China as my mechanic! – Edd China was the only reason to watch the show & this new Substitute ‘Ant’ comes nowhere near the legendary EC!

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Brian Willis March 8, 2020 at 12:28 pm

Mike Brewer turned out to be a rotund little blowhard who constantly referred to the Great Edd China as my mechanic! The man’s conceit knew no bounds – Edd China was the only reason to watch the show & this new Substitute ‘Ant’ comes nowhere near the legendary EC!

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Brian Willis March 8, 2020 at 12:28 pm

Mike Brewer turned out to be a rotund little blowhard who constantly referred to the Great Edd China as my mechanic! The man’s conceit knew no bounds – Edd China was the only reason to watch the show & this new Substitute ‘Ant’ comes nowhere near the legendary EC! But as along as he knows his place and doesn’t steal the limelight from the arrogant Brewer then he might stay with the programme!

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Brian Willis March 8, 2020 at 12:26 pm

Mike Brewer turned out to be a rotund little blowhard who constantly referred to the Great Edd China as my mechanic! The man’s conceit knew no bounds – Edd China was the only reason to watch the show & this new Substitute ‘Ant’ comes nowhere near the legendary EC! But as along as he knows his place and doesn’t steal the limelight from the arrogant Brewer then he might stay with the programme! But who wants to watch now Edd has been dispensed with! For Brewer to denigrate Edd China as he did speaks volumes about him and that he is first & foremost the STAR! and let nobody forget it!

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tojomi January 9, 2020 at 10:59 am

its not wheeler dealers any more without edd its the mike brewer show because he wanted to be on screen more and thats why it has lost over half its viewers

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ChristineB October 22, 2019 at 9:00 am

We need Ed back. Its not Ant’s fault but the reality is Ed was much more personable and knowledgeable.

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seb October 5, 2019 at 7:27 pm

ant is a big goat. i will stop to see because there is nothing interesting since season 14 without EDD

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tj August 9, 2019 at 10:04 pm

wheeler dealers is ed china and mike brewer just an addon,without edd its not wheeler dealers which explains why the viewers have dropped off,i for one dont watch any more

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Coach May 25, 2019 at 7:07 pm

Used to watch WD purely for the parts where Edd was working on the cars. Personally couldn’t stand listening to the little round bloke bastardising the English language “…its only wurf free faazand, and whats going on wiff deez wiws” …and would certainly NEVER buy a car from him.

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Peter K Roberts March 16, 2019 at 12:25 am

Always enjoyed the duet between Ed and Mike, particularly the end result of a joint test drive and sale. Obviously the profit calculation was screwed by no labour costs being involved and the willingness of suppliers to do a deal in from of the camera.
Harmless entertainment.

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Doc February 25, 2019 at 3:47 am

Mike unfortunately, brings nothing to the table, but annoying hooting hollering and forced laughing. Edd was the one who had all the skill, and had his own brand of appealing charm, and know how. Mike was and Is a used car salesman………..

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Mr.B January 18, 2019 at 12:24 pm

The show was great with you and Edd, but sucks now Mike, and it’s painfully obvious you are trying too hard and in denial.

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Tony November 2, 2018 at 1:30 pm

Mike Brewer is a sad used car salesman and always will be.

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nofi October 11, 2018 at 2:44 pm

mike is a self important blowhard. been in america too long.

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Dr Ian Gostridge May 30, 2020 at 4:54 am

Mike Weaver is a complete w*****r.When he sees a car he likes he tells the owner the last thing you do to get a bargain.When he drives a car he likes he sounds like he’s losing his virginity all oo’s and ah’s.How he ever made a living as a car dealer I shall never know.I dont like the way he treats Edd China and he always thinks he is right.

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Jack Coulter July 18, 2020 at 8:35 pm

Mike Brewer.

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Jack Coulter July 18, 2020 at 8:35 pm

Mike Brewer.

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Nicky August 21, 2022 at 2:52 am

Doctor Ian Gostridge -hello just checking you mean Mike Brewer, not Mike Weaver ( unless that’s an alias ? You may be interested in reading my comments -thanks, Nicky posted 20/08/2022

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Bill Q June 24, 2018 at 1:36 am

It was Ed’s contribution which made this the success it turned out to be
Mike, entertainment for the vacuous, Ed, entertaining teacher for the interested. I, probably along with many others, learnt an awful lot about some of the more arcane aspects of motor engineering
Never particularly enjoyed the series based in the USA (though there were some interesting episodes). Haven’t watched the new series as yet but suspect some of the preceding comments about the Americanisation all too true and don’t bode well

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Rich June 9, 2018 at 12:43 pm

The show is not completely unwatchable ant is a good mechanic but let’s face it no one will be edd mike is annoying never really cared for him I watched it for the workshop being a fellow vw fan I always enjoyed watching edd and learning new things when he worked on a vw or audi learned a lot from his top tips wish edd the best and hope he has his own show soon

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Martin June 1, 2018 at 6:20 am

Edd has been proved right about the reduction in mechanic time on the show (25%), for me this was the whole point of the show, I’ve tried watching the new series but I’m sorry to say in my opinion it sucks. I will not watch anymore new episodes unless it’s a car I really want to see. RIP Wheeler Dealers.

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John Paul June 1, 2018 at 4:57 am

The show was simple. It works on partnerships. Despite one character doing all the chatting and feels he is the front man “at the end of the day he sounded like a cheap car salesman” looking for a quick buck. Ed on the other hand put all the life in the vehicles to make them of value. That is equally about the show. The show now looks like a quick buck show. It’s gone cheap on production so there no soul left in the show. The cars story coming to life was the story made to live again by Ed and then a new journey with a new owner. That where another spin off could have gone. Owner and their cars. Maybe Ed could lead that journey and this time hold the brand. Remember a call salesman always look for a quick buck on anything and will sell at all costs for a profit. A engineer or mechanic prides themselves on the quality of work before profit.

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Chris MM May 25, 2018 at 6:54 am

Mike Brewer is a micro-celebrity who has sold his soul for big bucks. The people who made the TV show a huge hit have been ignored and, indeed, spat upon. In a sensible world he would go the way of other TV retards and become invisible, however, he’ll probably make loads of money by selling any remnants of his greasy soul to the Americans who will think that he’s a real Brit. Real Brits have class, decency, honesty and panache, Lacking all of those, the Americans will have a strange view of Englishness.

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Jason Georgiades May 2, 2018 at 9:40 pm

The answer to the WD problem was SIMPLE …. Wheeler Dealers UK, featuring Edd CHina, UK classic cars, small budget, small garage, minimal editing, quirky British charm, etc. AND Wheeler Dealers US, featuring flashy editing, explosions, white teeth, fake boobs, etc. You cannot have one show for both markets. People want to see the cars they recognise, tools and brands they recognise, in a style that they relate to.

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Jack Yates April 20, 2018 at 12:10 am

Mike Brewer as always been for himself , he never gave a toss about Ed and the reason for that is cause Ed was getting more popular than him

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ian raffill March 17, 2018 at 11:37 am

from ian in uk good luck to you all inspiring show cant wait for the uk showing mike is perfect for the part so stick out your hand mate

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Jeff March 16, 2018 at 8:36 am

Ed was definitely the main man for me. I’ll be watching the American car show Fantom works weather than an Americanised Wheeler Dealers!

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Alex Smart February 28, 2018 at 8:33 am

I watch Wheeler Dealers all over the globe and was a little annoyed with Mike’s hatchet job on Edd on YouTube lots of snide remarks, won’t be watching Brewer the prima Donna ever again.

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Geof Leech February 28, 2018 at 1:39 am

For me, since the show moved to America it has lost a lot of appeal it’s Americanised.
The reason why I watched early on was because I grew up with those cars and the trailing round local shops trying for parts that were hard to get but every now and then find a gem. The Edd part was ground breaking and very interesting due to similarities with my own car experiences.
Looking back at how they started the new show with Ant and a British classic then swiftly moved to American cars I feel they tried to reel people in it’s appeal is superficial & surely lost on most of the British & European public.
If the rich American owners would allow, it would be nice to have a British/European show with local connections, it was a wonderful concept.

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Ritchie Wilson February 19, 2018 at 9:28 pm

Agree Ants a nice guy,will he hang around for 13 series ?
I dont think so.

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Sean McKellar February 22, 2018 at 8:54 am

As popular as it is, another 13 series is a big ask for any show!

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L.H.Kennedy January 28, 2018 at 5:55 pm

Sorry to come in very late on this subject but I loved the old show and Ed’s realistic calm and normal behaviour made it for me and I had to leave the room when Mike did his bit so this new WD is unfortunately not for me.
Everything in life is a personal choice and I don’t want to attack Mike’s part in the previous series but if I had the money I would have replaced him and do whatever Ed asked to keep the show going but with a revamp to appeal to everyone.
It could have been a second hand car garage that the cars were shown and sold from once repaired and then the ridiculous sale at the end of each show wouldn’t have been necessary and embarrassing. I would’t mind owning the garage either because it would have attracted thousands!
Anyway just an idea and I’m sure there are many better ones out there.
I would just like to wish Ed all the best of everything.

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Mike January 24, 2018 at 8:14 am

Anything America gets involved in goes into meltdown a good show ruined and a once close friendship very sad , my boy and I watched the very first episode and we’re still watching it up until ed left, new show is all stage managed for effect, bloody nonsense and Mr brewer has gone on steroids with the hi five and woohooing garbage !! How old is he, every car is his favorite and he sold more cars than anyone I know , sorry but no disrespect to them but the show has now lost its charm aiming at the ordinary man, unrealistic projects except for the super rich at play, rant over Thanksgiving.

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no respect April 17, 2019 at 5:52 am

You say what america touches goes meltdown how can the Brits say anything every county mother England tried to to govern was completely shattered once King / Queen left they practically messed the whole world up or now that you are firmly in 2nd world territory heading down forgotten the past ……as for Mike what an ambassador to the world for mother England always reminding the British car history speaking in a strong proper British accent being frivolous phony(we call it JIVE) and fat on the telly he should run for American president

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Killiekrankie January 9, 2018 at 11:58 am

It may be as you say ‘Brewer’s show’ but in all honesty what does he bring to the table other than an constantly irritating pseudo cockney personality who, despite having a massively overinflated opinion of his own abilities could not sell a life belt to a drowning man.
As for his role he repeats the same half dozen or so stock phrases each week. Dare I suggest an answering machine could fill in for him.

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Justkiddin February 13, 2018 at 5:16 am

That is so unfair Killiekrankie as the man would have died anyway by the time Mike Brewer got to the workshop and back to get his Credit Card Machine,

(as their is no way on this earth that he would accept water sodden money)

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Steve December 28, 2017 at 8:30 pm

Nothing last forever and its plain to see Edd had lost interest in the job during season 13. Just how anyone can put the blame on Mike is ridiculous, he may be a bit over the top for some, but he does what he is paid to do, and does it well. The first show is aired on Monday in the UK, and I for one will be watching. Ant is a very good mechanic and I would even say better than Edd. If you can remember back to the early WD’s, Edd did some very dodgy repairs, and I know he didnt have the budget, but they were poor. A good example was the Capri wing he sprayed, which was a dozen shades out. If you looked closely at some of the finished work, the rust spots on exhausts, wing mirrors, chrome tail pipes, wheel nuts and bumpers could have easily been polished out with little or no cost. Ant did some fantastic work on his last TV series and I am sure he wouldnt have allowed things like that to leave the workshop, only time will tell. So grow up and stop acting like Edd with his petulant child opinions.

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Sean McKellar January 6, 2018 at 5:08 pm

Wheeler Dealers is Mike’s baby and he’ll fight to the death to defend the show. That is completely understandable and we don’t blame him, but it certainly does fire up the haters and doesn’t really help things in the long run.

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Anne January 12, 2018 at 12:17 am

I’m not sure why you’re accusing Edd of petulant child opinions when as far as I can see he has acted very much like an adult and has moved on while Mike is the one constantly playing the blame game and saying nasty things that there’s no need for. And how do you know Ant wouldn’t have had to cut corners himself if he’d been on in the early days of WD, you don’t. Apart from the budget there were probably time constraints.

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Honkytonks December 16, 2017 at 6:57 am

You belong to America now, Don’t come back

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Brian Peters April 12, 2020 at 9:27 pm

You could see from the last two British WDs that Mike wanted to be the star trying his hand at working on little bits on the car, not only that what about his sole show WDs trading up without Ed and now being in America permanently. So who stabbed who in the back ?

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Ronny Berntzen November 18, 2017 at 9:07 pm

I wanted to hate the show and really dislike Ant, since I am a huge Edd fan. However after seeing the first 2 episodes I must admit that I like Ant, and that the show is absolutely watchable. I am not sure if I still like Mike, but Ant is not a bad addition to the show. What would have made it really great was adding a second mechanic like Edd and have them cooperate and thwo ideas to eachother on what to do With the cars. That would also allow them to take on bigger jobs.

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Thom Davis October 19, 2017 at 2:38 pm

The first two shows were enough for me. Mike hugging everyone like they are long lost friends. Edd was the show, they made him a tv start and didnt like the results. So they should have fix it. I wont be watching anymore of the new series. AMF

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Dave October 12, 2017 at 3:39 am

This is definitely the downside of earning a global audience! 138 million fans is absolutely incredible. But their upset at Edd leaving is understandable, but not an excuse for being so hateful toward Mike or anybody else. Like his facebook post says – give it a try. If you don’t like it, don’t watch. I’ll certainly be watching!

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Kevin Denston October 11, 2017 at 11:12 am

At the end of the day it’s just a TV program with all parties trying to produce their own visions of entertainment. I for one respect that & wish all parties the best of luck.

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Dirk Bogard January 19, 2018 at 9:25 am

*Programme

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Kay Humes May 10, 2020 at 5:10 am

I have always loved Mike Brewer hes great in Wheeler dealers and I wish him and his new sidekick well
I Have no wish too offend

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