Eric Knowles, from BBC’s Antiques Roadshow and Bargain Hunt, is renowned for his deep knowledge of collectables and antiques. Yet, few are aware that a devastating health scare was the unexpected spark for this lifelong passion.
At just nine years old, Eric was hospitalised for six weeks with suspected leukaemia, cancer of the blood. While he was eventually spared a ‘death sentence’ and diagnosed with glandular fever instead, it was an incredibly lonely time for him.
The ceramic and glass expert, now 71, opened up about his journey in a 2017 BBC show, Matron, Medicine and Me, which explored the evolution of the NHS and his personal experience. The programme, no longer available for viewing, revealed that Eric was given various toys to play with during his hospital stay.
Remarkably, it was this kindness that ignited a fascination with collecting – and it has stayed with him ever since. In a previous conversation about his rise to fame in the 1980s, he said: “When I started doing it I thought this could run for two to three years. I never thought it would be for 27 years.
“It is a formula that seems to work. It is always the BBC’s most popular factual programme.” According to the Mirror, he then added: “Had I not followed a career in antiques I might have taken two different routes one being in the big outdoors and the Forestry Commission or the indoor studio working in Radio as a DJ.”
Although it’s quite rare to pass away from glandular fever, the viral infection shares a surprising number of symptoms with acute myeloid leukaemia, which is more often fatal. Exhaustion or tiredness, fevers and unusual marks on the skin are just some of the overlapping red flags.
However, glandular fever is more commonly identified by swollen glands in the neck, head, groin or elbows, in addition to a splotchy red rash that’s often flat. Meanwhile, leukaemia is frequently associated with unexpected weight loss and unexplained bruising or bleeding, particularly in the mouth.
Guidance from the NHS explains: “Speak to a GP if you or your child have possible symptoms of AML. Although it’s highly unlikely that leukaemia is the cause, these symptoms should be investigated.
“If your GP thinks you may have leukaemia, they’ll arrange blood tests to check your blood cells. If the tests suggest there’s a problem, you’ll be urgently referred to a specialist in treating blood conditions (haematologist) for further tests and treatment.”
Full NHS list of potential acute myeloid leukaemia symptoms
- Appearing pale
- More frequent nosebleeds
- Unexplained bleeding, especially in the gums, and bruising
- Tiredness and weakness
- Recurrent infections
- Unexpected weight loss
- Breathlessness
Full NHS list of potential glandular fever symptoms
- Elevated temperature
- Tiredness and exhaustion
- Splotchy rashes
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Swollen glands in the head, armpit, elbows, groin or neck
Learn more about diagnosing acute myeloid leukaemia here.