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A Lego mad father has bought a new home - to house his growing 10 million-piece collection.

Lego super fan Michael has even given up his job as a teacher so he can embrace his passion for the tiny plastic bricks.

The dad-of-two from Sheffield estimates he has around 8,000 Lego sets, but admits: "If I'm totally honest I don't know how much I've got myself."

Speaking on Channel 4's A Big Lego Christmas he said: "It is my hobby so I suppose it takes up a lot of my available time .. and it does take over my available space.

"I think when it's got to a point where it's overbearing, of course that's got out of hand.

"(But) I've been incredibly lucky to have a supportive wife that understands."

(Image: Channel 4) (Image: Channel 4)

The 47-year-old's wife Lucy added: "Whenever Michael does something it's never to the normal level - it's always done to the extreme."

Michael also reveals during the programme that he quit his teaching job to run a Lego-themed shop - and ropes in his two children to help after school.

The documentary goes behind the scenes in the run-up to the opening of the world's biggest Lego store in London's Leicester store.

(Image: PA) (Image: PA)

It follows Duncan - Britain's only certified Lego professional - who is attempting to build a giant model of Tower Bridge using nearly six million bricks.

And also Sophie - another adult fan who unashamedly maintains her love for the brick, and designer Justin, whose first kit - a re-imagining of The Beatles' Yellow Submarine - prepares to hit the shelves.

Unbelievably, Lego teetered on the brink of bankruptcy in 2001, but now it’s the most profitable toymaker - opening its largest ever store in Leicester Square this November.

(Image: PA) (Image: PA)

The opening of the world's biggest Lego store was marked with the unveiling of a Big Ben built from the colourful blocks - measuring six-metre high and made of 200,000 bricks.

The structure, which took 2,280 hours to build, is the centrepiece of the Danish brand's new London store and it even features a working clock face which will be illuminated at night.

The opening also included the unveiling of a new Lego mascot named Lester, an English tea-drinking Minifigure, and the first Lego London skyline replica set ahead of its worldwide release in January.

(Image: PA)

The phenomenally successful Danish company reports having sold more than 72 billion Lego "elements" or pieces last year.

Loren Shuster, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Lego said: "We want to inspire and develop children across the globe through creative Lego play experiences."