The Repair Shop reveals return date and welcomes new expert

Virgin Radio

2 Apr 2024, 10:47

Much-loved BBC show The Repair Shop is coming back for another series, and it will feature a new member of the team.

And the great news is that we don’t have to wait long at all for the new series to premiere, as the first episode will land as soon as next week. 

Yes, Jay Blades and the team of highly experienced expert crafters are back in the barn for six brand-new episodes on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with the first airing on 10th April at 8pm and the rest following every Wednesday after that.

The gang have been travelling the length and breadth of the country to unearth some fascinating and heart-warming fixes. And they will be joined in the barn by new expert, Rebecca Bissonnet.

Skilled textiles conservator Rebecca has worked in restoration at places such as Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace and on priceless items including Queen Elizabeth’s coronation dress. Episode two will see her take on an Irish dancing dress in need of some intricate repair work.

Elsewhere in the series, the experts will fix up some cowboy boots connected to iconic musician Elton John, while Will ventures outside the barn to deliver a Roald Dahl gate. Chris Shaw takes on a World War II code breaking cookbook, Sonnaz repairs an armchair which tells a poignant story from the 1980’s AIDS crisis, and Lucia restores a fire station painting to its former glory – which is one of the biggest fixes in her history at the barn.

Presenter Jay Blades said in a statement: “If you’re super excited about The Repair Shop coming back, you’re not the only one. We work really hard to make sure people's dreams come true, so to be able to show you guys what we've done is so exciting."

He added: “The show goes from strength to strength, and I think that is simply because we’re talking about community, it’s all about working together as a team and achieving a common goal for someone.”

Regarding the new team member, he said: “It was great to welcome Rebecca to the barn, she just fitted like a glove and it’s always so special to be able to learn different skills from different people.

“We can’t wait to share these new episodes.”

Jay Blades visited Virgin Radio last September to speak with Chris Evans about his book, Life Lessons: Wisdom and Wit from Life’s Ups and Downs.

Repair Shop star Jay Blades has revealed his next TV project, which he promises will be “eye-opening, surprising, and extraordinary.”

As well as hosting the new series of The Repair Shop, the furniture-restoring star will also continue his Through Time series later this year, with a Channel 5 two-parter about London’s West End.

The Repair Shop returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 10th April.