Philip Serrell was inundated with support as he issued a heartbreaking announcement. The auctioneer and antiques expert, 71, is best known for appearing on BBC shows such as Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, but regularly shares updates about his life on social media. Taking to X, the BBC star announced to his followers that his beloved family dog, Daphne, has passed away. Alongside a snap of his pet pooch sitting in a paw print blanket, he penned: "We lost our mate - Daphne - today."

Philip tagged his daughter Clementine in the post, which attracted emotional responses from the star's followers. Sending their condolences, one wrote: "So sorry to hear this, my thoughts are with you and your family." Another added: "So sorry for your loss, it's truly heartbreaking," as a third shared: "How awful. Sorry for your loss."

A third said: "I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. Last week I was just talking with my partner about her featuring on the Road Trip a few years ago. She was so beautifully behaved & would have put our dogs to shame if they had been there! Safe travels over the rainbow bridge Daphne."

Another penned: "Oh Mr Serrell we are so sorry to read this. We are sure Daphne had the best of times with the Serrell family & she was at its very centre & loved to bits. Sleep soft Daphne #GoodGirlDaphne #DogsAreFamily."

Later, Philip shared a still from the credits at the end of an episode of Antiques Road Trip which Daphne had also featured in, where her name was listed under "Experts" alongside her owner.

"Not just a dog but an antique hunting hound as well," Philip declared.

Daphne was a fluffy companion for Clementine, who is the only daughter of Philip and his wife Briony Serrell. Philip previously opened up about his daughter's battle with anorexia, admitting that he found it difficult to understand at first. Clementine has now recovered and hopes to help others who are experiencing the same struggles she did.

"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'," he told MailOnline back in 2016. "But Clementine has come through this on her own and I know she'd love to help others who are in a similar situation."

Philip 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."