The Repair Shop returns to screens but with a major change following Jay Blades court case
THE Repair Shop has returned to screens after Jay Blades’ court case, but with a major change.
The award-winning BBC One series was pulled off air after star presenter Jay was charged with controlling and coercive behaviour.
Since then Jay has resigned from a number of charities, including the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust.
The 54-year-old has also deleted his social media pages.
But for fans of The Repair Shop, they were left delighted as the series returned to BBC One on Wednesday night.
However, Jay Blades was noticeably absent as a Beeb continuity announcer informed viewers there was a change to the previously billed episode.
Instead, his co-star Dominic Chinea was at the helm of the famous barn.
A show source previously said: “The Beeb won’t feature any new shows in which he appears until it is clear how legal proceedings conclude.”
During the episode, viewers watched as a woman whose mother was killed in a house fire brought her teddy bear that survived the blaze.
She enlisted the show’s help to restore the burnt bear, which holds significant sentimental value.
Viewers at home were reduced to tears, with one posting on social media: “I don’t think I’ve ever watched an episode of #TheRepairShop and not bawled my eyes out.”
A second wrote: “Damn you #TheRepairShop! Gets me every time! That teddy bear.”
“My goodness, how brave was the young lady with the bear? The rest of us, meanwhile, are in bits. Joyous television,” said a third.
Earlier this week The Repair Shop bosses dropped a huge hint about the future of the show.
Applications for the 14th series have now opened, with members of the public invited to apply.
The Repair Shop experts
The Repair Shop premiered in 2017 and sees family heirlooms restored for their owners by numerous experts with a broad range of specialisms. Jay Blades acts as the foreman, with a talented team at work in the restoration process. Let's take a look at some of them.
- Jay Blades: Foreman of The Repair Shop and Furniture Restorer
- Will Kirk: Carpenter, Cabinet Maker and Wood Painter
- Steve Fletcher: Clock Restorer
- Suzie Fletcher: Saddle Maker and Leather Worker
- Dominic Chinea: Metal Worker and Signs Restorer
- Sonnaz Nooranvary: Upholstery Restorer
- Amanda Middleditch and Julie Tatchell: Soft-toy Restorers
- Kirsten Ramsay: Ceramics Conservator
- Lucia Scalisi: Painting Conservator
- Brenton West: Antique Photography Specialist and Silversmith