Mike Brewer expresses ‘sadness’ following Edd China departure

Mike Brewer – presenter of the hit show ‘Wheeler Dealers’ – has expressed his sadness over the departure of his co-host Edd China.

China has left to pursue other interests while a new co-host for Brewer has been announced in the form of Ant Anstead, who found fame on the Channel 4 programme For the Love of Cars.

Speaking to the Press Association, Brewer said: “I’m obviously upset and gutted that Edd’s decided to leave the programme because we’ve got a very strong relationship and a close bond after 13 years and 135 cars.

“I respect his decision – Edd wants to move on to other things and I completely get that – but obviously he’s been a part of my life and has been forever so it’s a bit of a shock that he’s decided to leave the show.”

Mechanic China has formed a crucial part of the show, which takes down-and-out cars and restores them back to their former glory.

Ant Anstead joins after a number of successful appearances on other motoring shows. Brewer said of his new co-host: “I’ve got a new co-host, Ant Anstead – the new mechanic in my workshop – and he’s brilliant. He’s a very accomplished car builder and a good friend of mine, and we have a great working relationship already.

“I’ve sort of lost one television husband and got married to a new one that I’m excited about.”

When asked about where China was heading, Brewer said: “Edd just wants to take a bit of time to work on other projects. He also wants to do some separate stuff away from the studio and away from Wheeler Dealers – and since the show is so time consuming, if you want to venture out into other areas and expand your horizons, then Wheeler Dealers gives you very little time to do that.”

Wheeler Dealers season 14 is currently being filmed, with the show due to air in November.