
BBC Antiques Road Trip star says 'it's been difficult' as he makes family confession
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Antiques Road Trip expert Philip Serrell has previously spoken about his daughter's struggle with anorexia.
The BBC star, who is married to Briony Serrell, shares a close bond with their daughter Clementine.
Philip had discussed Clementine's battle with the eating disorder, revealing that he found it hard to comprehend initially.
Clementine has since made a recovery and aspires to support others who face similar challenges.
Philip shared with MailOnline back in 2016: "As a dad, it's been very difficult, I've found it very hard to understand.
"I've spent 62 years enjoying eating and it's very hard not to say, 'Just eat, it's easy',".
However, he acknowledged that Clementine overcame her struggles independently, adding that she wishes to help others in a comparable situation.
(Image: BBC)
Philip highlighted that the festive season can be a challenging period for individuals with anorexia. He added: "Christmas is a very difficult time of year because people suffering with anorexia get booze and food shoved at them - and that's very hard to deal with."
Five years ago, Clementine shared her progress in recovery by posting two photos of herself on social media: one from the peak of her illness and a more recent one, reports the Express.
Her caption read: "Never think you can't escape," as she recounted her struggles with bulimia and anorexia. Clementine attributed the onset of her condition to the breakdown of her relationship at the time, which apparently triggered a response in her body and made her feel like she had lost control of her life.
(Image: BBC)
In 2011, the personal trainer started to struggle with bulimia. She disclosed that on New Year's Eve, she made herself sick "about eight times" and awoke the next day riddled with "shame and utter self loathing".
By the following year, Clementine had developed anorexia. She shared her harrowing experience: "That was the worst year, and Christmas, ever. It was just pure hell, with no escape. I was TOTALLY consumed by the eating disorder, addicted to it, addicted to counting calories and 'burning off' what I could. I weighed EVERYTHING.
"I counted the calories in EVERYTHING. I hated what I'd become but I was petrified of giving up that addiction."
In a message of hope, she echoed: "After a long, and at times sooooo painfully slow, recovery I'm here, where I am now... I will always talk about eating disorders, and I'll always be honest. I don't post things like this for any praise or anything like that but to show others that you can get your life back."
Clementine emphasised: "I will always talk about eating disorders, and I'll always be honest. I don't post things like this for any praise or anything like that but to show others that you can get your life back. And also because I genuinely believe EDs are still very misunderstood and that kills me a bit.
"This is a hard time to go through, especially if you have an eating disorder but know that there can be life on the other side. And know that you really are strong enough to get there."
Antiques Road Trip is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

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