Dominic Chinea, known to fans as a star of BBC’s The Repair Shop, has shared emotionally raw footage revealing the severe impact of recent storms on his Cornwall workshop. The space he painstakingly converted suffered significant damage when a portion of the roof collapsed, crushing a prized Cadillac he had been restoring.
Returning from the Isle of Wight with a rare vintage engineering part, Dominic found his workshop in disarray. “There has been another storm here in Cornwall, and I was terrified to see the state of the roof,” he explained in a heartfelt YouTube update. Despite worsening conditions, he planned to continue working inside, postponing major repairs until the weather improved.
Heavy rain flooded the workshop through the open roller shutter, soaking much of his equipment. Yet it was the structural damage that struck hardest. Dominic recounted, “The first storm, Goretti, took out the very end of the roof just above where I keep my Porsche and other equipment—everything got drenched.” Before he could recover, Storm Chandra followed with even fiercer winds and torrential rain.
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The relentless tempest tore through the workshop’s corrugated plastic roofing, sending debris crashing down onto the cherished Cadillac below. “The bonnet’s damaged, the wing is ruined—it’s heartbreaking,” Dominic lamented.
Having relocated from Kent to Cornwall last year with his wife Maria and their dog Wendy, Dominic acknowledged the immense challenge of maintaining his workshop. “Making this place weatherproof was always going to be pressure,” he said.
January 2026’s brutal storms validated his fears, forcing him to juggle emergency roof repairs alongside completing the renovation of their farmhouse kitchen. “The damage is extensive—roof tiles gone, bits everywhere. I’ve ordered new roofing sheets and hired roofers, but I’m also trying to get the kitchen done,” he explained with determination.
Dominic noted he’s not alone in battling the aftermath. Trees and buildings across Cornwall suffered greatly. “Every tree surgeon I know is absolutely swamped right now. It’s heartbreaking—there aren’t enough trees here as it is,” he reflected.
The move to Cornwall marked a massive upheaval for Dominic’s family. “It was completely life-changing and incredibly stressful. I’m never moving again!” he joked. “But having the workshop at home was a dream come true. I’m very grateful, but it hasn’t been easy.” He described continuing challenges: “There’s still mud and cow manure where my tools live—I’m still working through it.”
Despite the hardships and isolation from being “seven hours away from anyone,” Dominic embraces the change. “It’s been a long road, and it will be for some time, but it’s good. It’s nice.”
Dominic also revealed that his role on The Repair Shop is something of a dream job. From making props behind the scenes in Hackney Wick to becoming a beloved on-screen presenter, the journey exceeded his wildest expectations. “I never imagined I’d end up on camera. This is a testament to making the most of opportunities and giving it your all,” he said. He described the team as “one big family” where passion and friendship shine, conveying his gratitude for being part of the show.
A sobering update from Dominic Chinea, whose dedication to his craft shines through despite devastating setbacks—a reminder of the resilience behind the scenes on The Repair Shop.