Stars of the popular BBC series The Repair Shop, Julie Tatchell and Amanda Middleditch—affectionately known as the Teddy Bear Ladies—are reaching out to viewers for a special cause. As preparations for the show’s much-anticipated Christmas special get underway, the duo has issued a heartfelt plea for treasured items with festive stories to feature in the upcoming episode.
Sharing a charming video on their joint Instagram page, Amanda playfully questions Julie about packing away Christmas decorations. Julie’s humorous response, “Because it’s not Christmas anymore,” is quickly met with Amanda’s hopeful reply: “Ah, but it will be soon.” The playful banter sets the tone for their request: they are on the lookout for beloved possessions linked to wonderful Christmas memories that can be lovingly restored on the show.
“You must have something out there,” Julie says, encouraging viewers to think about any sentimental keepsakes that hold a special holiday story. Amanda adds, “You never know what we might get, but please, please, have a good think.”
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Interested viewers with suitable items are invited to submit their stories by visiting bbc.co.uk/takepart or emailing [email protected].
Julie and Amanda are well-known fixtures on The Repair Shop, bringing expert restoration skills to cherished soft toys and vintage teddy bears. Julie, who joined The Repair Shop in 2017 after a successful career in traditional toy restoration, co-founded the restoration business Bear it in Mind with Amanda in 2006. The pair, while not related by blood, share over 15 years of close friendship and a deep passion for their craft.
Beyond their television appearances, the Teddy Bear Ladies keep fans engaged through a podcast called ‘Bearly Begun,’ social media updates, and even a collaboratively authored children’s book that celebrates the magic of restoring beloved toys.
The Repair Shop’s Christmas special promises to be a heartwarming celebration of nostalgia and restoration, and Julie and Amanda’s plea opens the door for viewers to contribute cherished pieces of their holiday history.
Catch episodes of The Repair Shop on BBC iPlayer.