Jeff Brazier says he's 'not perfect' as he opens up on challenges with son Freddy

Jeff Brazier has opened up on the challenges he faces with son Freddy, 19, as the pair compete on BBC hit show Celebrity Race Around The World

Jeff Brazier has candidly spoken about the ups and downs of fatherhood, confessing that he's 'not a perfect parent' while discussing his relationship with his son Freddy.

The 45 year old television personality recently embarked on an emotional adventure with his 19 year old son on the BBC's popular series Celebrity Race Around The World.

Viewers have watched as Jeff and Freddy tackled the challenge of travelling across South America without the use of mobile phones or the internet, armed only with a budget of £1,100, competing against three other celebrity teams.

Jeff, who is also dad to EastEnders star and Strictly Come Dancing favourite Bobby Brazier, aged 21, expressed that despite not being 'a perfect parent', he takes pride in the support he's given his son during their intense journey, reports Wales Online.

He shared: "I compliment him and I'm always trying to gee him up. That is what people equate to good parenting. I'm not a perfect parent, but I am proud of how supportive I am. I definitely have my priorities straight in terms of his growth."

"I need him to be able to take the lessons. That doesn't always mean getting it right. I think the mistakes are more valuable, and it's difficult for a parent, especially when you're in a race environment, to not step in and not want to avoid those mistakes because it affects the team, not just the individual."

Jeff further explained: "But the balance was good. The balance of giving Freddy those opportunities. For Freddy to be responsible, make decisions and grow in confidence. I'm proud of him for that."

Freddy opened up about his experience in the competition, revealing it allowed him to embrace his softer side. He commented: "I've learnt a few things about this race. I'm getting more comfortable in myself and it's ok to show vulnerability more."

The youngster also praised their teamwork, saying: "I also learnt that me and dad are a pretty good team. I knew dad was competitive, but wow, he's competitive. I'd love to win and share that moment with dad."

Jeff reflected on the bond he shares with Freddy, noting: "I wasn't surprised that Freddy and I got on well. I wasn't surprised that I could mentally deal with long bus journeys. We'd have moments of being quite good at it and would also have moments of getting it wrong."

He continued, expressing his paternal support: "I was surprised, on reflection, while watching it back by seeing how supportive I try to be for Fred. I'm very sensitive around what I feel is quite fragile. It's the unremarkable stuff that seems to really matter most. I like the way that I take myself out of it at times and leave the space for him to work stuff out. That is really important and I'm glad to see that I, for the most part, did a good job."

Race Across the World concludes tonight on BBC One at 9pm