The Repair Shop: At Christmas (BBC One Sunday 24th December 2023)

The Repair Shop will be airing a Christmas Special on BBC One on Sunday 24th December 2023 at 8:00pm. Join the talented team as they embark on four exciting restoration projects that will fill your heart with warmth and holiday cheer.

Restoring Christmas Treasures to Bring Joy

Get ready for a joyous Christmas edition of The Repair Shop! This highly anticipated special episode brings together the talented team as they embark on four exciting restoration projects that are sure to fill your heart with warmth and holiday cheer.

First in line is Steve from Chesterfield, who arrives at the workshop with a seemingly unassuming Christmas treat. But little does anyone know, this Christmas cake is no ordinary dessert – it is a mechanical masterpiece crafted by Steve’s uncle Fred back in the 1940s. With an engineering background and a passion for entertaining, Fred would amaze the entire family each year with this incredible creation. Steve fondly recalls the cake being like nothing he had ever seen before or since. Unfortunately, over the years, the mechanism has fallen into disarray. Steve puts his hope in the capable hands of Steve Fletcher, the mechanical maestro of the barn, to rescue this unique relic. To assist in the intricate restoration, Steve Fletcher enlists the expertise of electronics whizz Mark Stuckey and the creative ceramic specialist Kirsten Ramsay.

Mark Stuckey also takes on a sentimental restoration project – a beloved record player belonging to Jo Thomas from Wales. This cherished piece of equipment holds deep memories for Jo, as it was a gift from her late son, Ben. Tragically, Ben’s life was cut short by bone cancer at the age of just 11. But in the face of adversity, Ben’s love for life never wavered. As his last Christmas approached, he personally purchased this record player for his mother, who shared his passion for music. Unfortunately, the record player has fallen into disuse over the years, and Jo longs to hear its beautiful melodies once more. To make it more accessible for Jo, who battles arthritis, Mark plans to add legs to the unit for easier operation.

Next in line are Sheila and Denise from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, who bring with them a pair of exquisite paper models of Santa Claus dating back over a century. These delicate treasures have been passed down through three generations of Sheila’s family, filling their hearts with joy and nostalgia. However, the ravages of time have taken their toll on these beloved family heirlooms, tarnishing their once festive appearance. With unwavering determination, paper restorer Angelina Bakalarou steps up to restore these Santas to their former jolly glory, ensuring that generations to come can continue to relish in their enchanting charm.

Last but certainly not least, Pete Woods takes on the challenge of resurrecting a steel pan drum brought in by Mark from Brighton. Mark’s father, Ralph Cherrie, a remarkable steel pan player, acquired this drum during a momentous Christmas trip to his birthplace, Trinidad, in 1976. This trip holds a special place in Mark’s heart, as it marked a pivotal moment in his own musical journey. Pete, with his skills as a little drummer boy, is tasked with repairing the steel pan drum to its former melodious glory. And to complete this mission, he enlists the expertise of metalwork maestro Dominic Chinea to restore the drum’s exterior and leatherwork supremo Suzie Fletcher to fashion a new strap, allowing Mark to proudly wear the drum around his neck as a symbol of his musical heritage.

Don’t miss this enchanting Christmas episode of The Repair Shop on Sunday, 24th December 2023, at 8:00 pm, only on BBC One. Join the team as they breathe new life into treasured objects, allowing their stories to live on for generations to come. It’s a festive celebration of craftsmanship, love, and the enduring power of cherished possessions.

Featured Image Credit: BBC One