Antiques Roadshow expert addresses quitting UK after sharing health regret - 'So ashamed'
Antiques Roadshow expert Andy McConnell shared his concerns about Brexit forcing him to leave the UK for six months.
Andy McConnell said he was "ashamed" by the UK's decision to leave the European Union (EU) in 2020.
The Antiques Roadshow expert detailed his Brexit woes and admitted the decision saw him "disappear" abroad for six months during the winter months when he travelled to Asia.
The BBC star opened up about the move in a candid interview in June last year.
When quizzed about indulging in any small luxuries, Andy told the Daily Mail: "Disappearing for six months every winter to South East Asia. It's a luxury but it is also a money-saving exercise because I don't have to pay to heat my house in winter.
"Last year, I went to Cambodia and Thailand, the year before that I went to India."
He added: "I go because of Brexit – I'm so ashamed of my country and that decision, I feel I need to get out."
The UK voted to leave the EU in 2016 and officially left the trading bloc - its nearest and biggest trading partner - on 31 January 2020.
Freedom to work and live between the UK and the EU also came to an end, and in 2021, UK nationals required a visa if they wanted to stay in the EU for more than 90 days in a 180-day period.
Elsewhere, the antique dealer also opened up about his biggest "regret" when he addressed his health woes.
Don't miss...
GMB viewers 'bored to tears' over Martin Bashir segment as they 'switch off' [LATEST]
Martin Bashir claimed racism was behind investigation into BBC's Diana interview [BBC]
Death in Paradise star 'annoyed' after character from series one makes return [TV]
Antiques Roadshow: Andy McConnell excited over rare glass
Earlier this year, Andy revealed to fans that he suffers from emphysema, an illness that's part of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) as he admitted "smoking has been his one regret after indulging in 30 cigarettes a day".
The condition damages lung tissue over time, particularly the tiny air sacs known as alveoli.
He told the same publication: "As a smoker of 30 cigarettes a day for 50 years, I think cigarettes should cost £500 a packet. I've got emphysema now. I've smoked 490,000 fags in my lifetime and I regret it now."
According to the NHS guidelines, it can lead to chest infections, consistent coughing and breathing difficulties.
Anitques Roadshow airs Sunday on BBC One at 7pm