Bargain Hunt expert Eric Knowles opens up on harrowing health battle
Bargain Hunt's Eric Knowles has opened up about his traumatic childhood illness, which at one point was feared to be cancer. The beloved BBC presenter was hospitalised as a child due to concerns he might have the disease.
After an anxious wait and numerous tests, it turned out that Eric was suffering from glandular fever, not leukaemia. Eric delved into his past for the BBC show Matron, Medicine and Me in 2017, where he explored the history of the NHS through his own experiences.
The BBC reflected on his story, saying: "Although being severely ill, his family were spared a disease that was then a death sentence."
In the programme, which is no longer available on iPlayer, Eric took a nostalgic journey in a 1960s ambulance, retracing the path to the hospital he would have taken as a child. He consulted with oncologist Dr Margaret Rokicka to understand how his diagnosis was reached and learned about the medical advancements that now cure most cases of childhood leukaemia.
The show was filled with poignant moments, including when Eric met a young patient undergoing treatment.
Reflecting on his time before fame, when he worked as a porter at Bonhams auction house, Eric spent a shift with hospital porters Steven Shaw and Andy McHale. Celebrating his northern heritage, Eric also visited the Manchester hospital selected to launch the NHS in 1948.
To cap off the emotional journey, Eric paid a visit to the daughter of the Burnley paediatrician who cared for him as a child. Now at 71, Eric appears to be living life to the fullest.
Meanwhile Eric’s Bargain Hunt co-star, Philip Serrell, who is the auctioneer on the show, recently recounted an incident involving a family member.
Philip recounted his daughter, Clementine’s, harrowing ordeal with car thieves. The Worcestershire-based auctioneer shared details of the incident on social media. According to Philip, Clementine caught two individuals attempting to steal her car after they had stolen her car keys.
Despite the alarming situation, Clementine remained composed, prompting her father to joke about the thieves' reaction to being confronted by his daughter. Philip took to Twitter to share the incident, stating: "Last night @clemserrell caught 2 blokes stealing her car after a car key theft. In a way, I hope they don't get caught. Won't do their street cred any good being chased off by a 5'4" blonde."
There was an outpouring of support for Clementine, one fan wrote: "They didn't realise how fit you were, girl power!! Glad you're ok."
A second added: "Clementine Serrell is constantly inspiring and such a hard-working person. Only deserves the best and not these crooks! Hugs to you, Clem." A third penned: "You go, girl!! Good on you for chasing them but just as long as you were safe!! does Clem take after you or your wife Phil??"
