ANTIQUES Roadshow star Andy McConnell has lifted the lid on his life away from the BBC show – from his 'fleapit' house that was deemed unfit to live in, to a major health issue he massively regrets.
Since 2005, the expert has been a regular on our TV screens
When he was 14 years old, Andy McConnell began buying and selling antiques.
His antiques expertise earned him a spot on the iconic Antiques Roadshow.
But, off-screen, there's a lot to learn about the glass expert, so let's get started.
Andy's major health regret
Andy, 71 revealed earlier this year that he suffers from Emphysema.
According to the NHS, it's a lung illness that weakens the lungs' air sacs and may result in chest infections, a persistent cough, and shortness of breath.
Andy admitted he seriously regrets smoking cigarettes heavily.
"As a smoker of 30 cigarettes a day for 50 years, I think cigarettes should cost £500 a packet," Andy told This is Money.
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Andy's "fleapit" home not fit for human habitation
The Antiques Roadshow star also shared plans recently to renovate his home which he described as a "fleapit".
The property was declared as unfit to live in.
He said: "I bought it four years ago for £230,000 and it's definitely gone up in value. It was a total fleapit when I bought it and unmortgageable…
In fact, the particulars said it was unfit for human habitation so I thought it was just right for me and got £95,000 off the asking price."
Andy continued: "All I've done so far is install a new bathroom and new boiler but I'm planning a complete renovation."
Andy McConnell's surprising previous job
Before entering the antiques sector, the TV personality worked as a rock and roll journalist in Hollywood, California.
He enjoyed a very successful career which saw him tour the US with some of the most legendary folk bands from 1972 to 1976.
Andy also worked for Island Records in the early 1980s, producing marketing videos for bands such as Tears for Fears, Kid Creole & The Coconuts, and Steve Winwood.
After leaving Island in 1983, he worked as a production manager for Channel 4's Rockers Roadshow, a black music series.
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Meanwhile, Antiques Roadshow guests have recently spoken out about having to leave the set of the show due to adverse weather conditions.
Guests admitted they were "seriously let down" by the BBC.
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