As the holiday season approaches, fans of The Repair Shop can look forward to the beloved experts reopening their barn for a special Christmas episode. Expert Dominic Chinea recently gave viewers a behind-the-scenes glimpse via Instagram, teasing what’s to come.
The sneak peek featured a montage of familiar faces, including Kirsten Ramsay and Will Kirk, who also provided updates about the festive filming. One expert revealed, “We’re working on some wonderful festive items,” while Kirsten added, “We’ve got some very special guests joining us.”
Notably, children’s author Julia Donaldson and actor Rob Brydon, known for Gavin and Stacey, will appear. They’re connected through Donaldson’s new animation, The Scarecrows’ Wedding, in which Brydon stars. Additionally, Dame Helen Mirren, a national treasure, will participate, enlisting the shop’s help with a unique restoration project.
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Dominic shared his enthusiasm: “She needs our help with a very special project and we are so excited to be working with her.” His post promised that viewers are in for “a festive treat” with some amazing yet challenging repairs coming up.
Fans engaged eagerly in the comments, expressing their excitement. “Can’t wait,” one wrote, while another declared, “The Repair Shop is already its own Holiday. Brilliant.”
The BBC has revealed some of the cherished items featured in the episode. Dame Helen Mirren hopes to restore a cello, damaged during WWII by soldiers as its original owner fled Nazi-occupied Europe. Now in a care home Helen supports, the instrument’s return to music would bring joy to residents and their families this Christmas.
Julia Donaldson and Rob Brydon are bringing in a toy farmhouse, an inspiration behind many of Donaldson’s most beloved books. The experts will also tackle a remarkable mechanical reindeer, a broken sledge, and a worn carol book.
While the exact air date for the Christmas special has yet to be announced, fans can catch previous episodes on BBC iPlayer as they await another heartwarming holiday episode.