The Repair Shop stars’ jobs away from BBC show – from children’s authors to podcast hosts and boutique owners
THE Repair Shop has been a fan-favourite since it launched in 2017, but the show’s cast also have demanding careers off screen.
Airing on BBC One as of series four, the factual programme sees professional craftspeople restore family heirlooms which have sentimental value to the owners.
Presenter and furniture restorer Jay Blades MBE takes on the role of foreman.
The show’s 13th series kicked off on April 10.
In 2023, The Repair Shop won a National Television Award in the daytime programme category.
However, while the show has achieved huge success, the professionals also pursue other endeavours off-camera.
Let’s take a look at what the show’s stars do for a living:
Jay Blades
In addition to being presenter/foreman for The Repair Shop, Jay has also fronted multiple documentaries.
He has a production company called Hungry Jay Media, a joint venture with Hungry Bear Media.
A documentary for BBC One, titled Jay Blades: Learning to Read at 51 saw the presenter strive to improve his literacy skills.
In 2022, he appeared in Jay Blades: No Place Like Home, a three-part documentary series for Channel 5.
The programme saw Jay revisit the area he grew up in while interviewing childhood friends and experts.
In particular, the documentary featured locations such as Ridley Road Market, Newington Green Unitarian Church and the site of a First World War bombing by airship.
Sticking to his roots, Jay also runs a furniture company called Jay & Co, which uses recycled, reclaimed and reused materials, accessories, furniture, and fabric to create its pieces.
He also appeared with Sir David Jason in David and Jay’s Touring Toolshed, a 15-part restoration series for BBC2.
Will Kirk
When he’s not restoring items on-screen for The Repair Shop, Will has his own antique furniture restoration workshop in South London.
He set up the business in 2012 and since then, he and his craftsmen have tackled a wide range of commissions from family heirlooms to corporate contracts.
According to his workshop’s website, Will’s team specialise in ‘everything’ including french polishing, wood carving and general cabinet making.
This summer sees Will add another bow to his cap with the release of his first book, Restore, on July 18.
Will has also made appearances on other TV shows, including Richard Osman’s House of Games.
Steve Fletcher
Steve is a horologist, meaning his specialty is working with clocks and watches.
Having often been seen showcasing these skills on The Repair Shop, it comes as no surprise that he owns a clock and watch repair business.
Based in Witney in Oxfordshire, The Clock Workshop is a family business established by Steve’s grandfather in 1910.
Afterwards, Steve’s dad John took on the reins before passing the baton to Steve himself.
The family tradition has continued for a further generation, with Steve’s son Fred working as a junior clockmaker and his daughter Milly runs the shop.
Suzie Fletcher
Much like her brother Steve, Suzie also has significant restoration experience away from The Repair Shop.
When she’s not working at the barn in West Sussex, Suzie spends her time repairing saddles, leather goods and solid leather furniture in her Oxfordshire workshop.
She published her first book, Sun Over The Mountains: A Story of Hope, Healing and Restoration last year.
‘Teddy Bear Ladies’
Amanda Middleditch and Julie Tatchell, collectively known as the ‘Bear Ladies’, work extensively on vintage bears and soft toys hence the name.
As with their co-stars Suzie and Will, the pair have also turned their hand to writing a book.
Their children’s book, Bartie Bristle and Other Stories: Tales from the Teddy Bear Ladies, set to be released in June.
In addition, the duo host a podcast called Bearly Begun, which covers their tips about soft toy care.
Kirsten Ramsay
A ceramic conservator, Kirsten runs her own business in West Sussex.
Much like her co-stars, she brings years of experience to the table, previously working for The V&A Museum and The British Museum.
Over the years, she has also worked for varied clients including King Charles and private collectors.
Kirsten established her own business as a professional ceramic conservator in 1995 while continuing part-time employment with The British Museum, according to her website.
Dominic Chinea
Dominic has shown impressive metal restoration skills on The Repair Shop but in actuality works across multiple mediums.
This includes set design, prop making, sign writing and restoration.
According to his website, Dominic’s passion is ‘restoring anything with wheels’ such as classic cars, motorbikes and pushbikes.
He also showcases his passion by posting videos on his YouTube channel.
Brenton West
Brenton is The Repair Shop’s resident silversmith, but is also a jack of all trades when not filming in the barn.
His repairs range from varied items such as toys and ornaments while Brenton’s skills extend further in having earned a photography degree.
Brenton has worked on items created by eminent makers and designers, such as Faberge, Hester Bateman, Paul Storr , Mappin & Webb, Asprey among others.
Richard Talman
Away from The Repair Shop, goldsmith Richard runs his own company named RTFJ.
The name stands for Richard Talman Fine Jewellery and was founded by Richard back in 2010.
Co-stars Jay Blades and Will Kirk have also come to Richard for help designing wedding rings for their now-wives.