Bargain Hunt’s Kate Bliss issued an emotional family update while filming new BBC series, admitting ‘it’s the hardest thing’.

The 49-year-old antiques expert opened up about being away from her family during filming and the mental toll it takes on her.

‘Well, it’s always a thrill to explore new places and new antiques fairs that I love,’ she said

‘The hardest thing is leaving my family. I usually try and find them a small present if I’ve been on the road for a few days,’ she continued to the BBC.

Kate said the only part of the day she is able to ‘snatch short bursts of me time’ is in the morning when she works out, as her schedule is so busy.

When she does find the time to do other things, she shared that she enjoys baking and cooking big meals for her family and friends but joked that her children like to remind her of her ‘disasters in the kitchen’.

Bargain Hunt’s Kate Bliss issued an emotional family update while filming new BBC series, admitting ‘it’s the hardest thing’

The 49-year-old antiques expert opened up about being away from her family during filming and the mental toll it takes on her

Reflecting on her most memorable moment from filming Bargain Hunt, the star said it had to be the team of Olympians she had on after the London 2012 Olympic Games as they were ‘the most compeтιтive’.

She also looked back at her career and how she came to be one of the hit BBC shows resident experts.

Kate was the only female auctioneer at her local showroom and said she was ‘a bit of a novelty back then’.

She was picked and asked to appear on Bargain Hunt as an auctioneer first, before being kept on as a permanent expert.

She said: ‘I will never forget turning up at my first shoot in my high heels, feeling very proud in my new suit but the fair we were filming at was outdoors and it rained the entire weekend. 

‘I ended up wearing Philip Serrell’s wellies which were 3 sizes too big!’

Bargain Hunt airs on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.