Will Kirk, the resident wood restorer on the BBC’s hit show The Repair Shop, has captured viewers’ hearts since his debut in 2017. Over the years, he has skillfully breathed new life into family heirlooms, sentimental treasures, and historic artifacts, earning a reputation as a gifted craftsman and compassionate storyteller.
As Will approaches his birthday later this month, we look beyond the workshop to reveal the personal journey that shaped him. In a heartfelt interview on The TV Carpenter Podcast, Will opened up about the devastating loss of his father—a pivotal moment that inspired him to turn his passion into a profession. “I started my own business after my dad passed away,” he shared. “I inherited a bit of money—not enough to go wild, but enough to get a workshop and print some flyers.”
While Will tends to keep his private life discreet, his emotional side has occasionally shone through on the show. One particularly touching episode involved a young boy bringing in a table he had built with his late father—which was now being cared for by his grandmother. The experience moved Will deeply, forcing him to pause filming and step outside the barn for a moment to compose himself.
Away from the cameras, Will enjoys a happy family life. He and his wife, educational psychologist Polly Snowdon, celebrated 15 years together recently. The couple got engaged in 2020 and, despite pandemic-related delays, married in 2021 at the Kings Head Hotel in Cirencester. Sharing joyful moments from their wedding on social media, Will described it as “the best day of my life.” The couple has since welcomed two children—a daughter born in 2022 and a son arriving more recently.
Before rising to fame on The Repair Shop, Will’s talents were showcased on other television projects. In 2013, he featured on Channel 4’s The French Collection, where he demonstrated his furniture restoration skills. He also appeared on the BBC’s What To Buy and Why in 2015, offering expert advice on restoring cherished items.
Today, Will Kirk remains a steadfast presence on The Repair Shop, blending craftsmanship with heartfelt storytelling that continues to inspire audiences nationwide.