For over eight years, Will Kirk has been a beloved figure on BBC’s The Repair Shop, tirelessly restoring cherished family heirlooms, sentimental objects, and historical artefacts to their original beauty. The 40-year-old craftsman’s talent and passion have made him a household name.
Away from the cameras, Will has embraced a significant lifestyle change, relocating from London to the countryside in Surrey with his wife Polly and their two children. On a recent appearance on ITV’s Lorraine, host Lorraine Kelly highlighted the transition, noting it was a “complete change of lifestyle” for the star.
Will, ever the hands-on expert, revealed he hasn’t slowed down at home. “I can’t sit still,” he explained. “When I’m not in the barn, I have to be making or doing something.” A clip revealed a fireplace makeover in his bedroom, where Will rejuvenated it by installing second-hand tiles he sourced online. He emphasized his commitment to sustainability, saying, “All part of that don’t throw away furniture ethos, and really cheap, they’re authentic to the house as well. I love getting hands-on.”
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Despite his skills, Will admitted to a humorous mishap during his own home renovations. Speaking to House Beautiful, he recounted how he sanded a floor without attaching the dust bag on the sander. He described the moment: “I had my ear defenders on and was just looking at the lines on the floor, then suddenly the room got darker and darker. The paper bag wasn’t attached, and sawdust was flying out the back.” The result was a thick cloud of dust that required extensive cleanup — a humbling reminder that even experts can face challenges.
In October last year, Will and Polly welcomed their second child, growing their family to four. While keeping his family life mostly private, Will occasionally shares sweet moments on social media, like when he spoke fondly about his daughter’s first ballet lesson, noting how quickly she’s growing up.
Fans can continue to enjoy Will Kirk’s restorations and craftsmanship on The Repair Shop, available to stream on BBC iPlayer.