The Repair Shop has been on screens since 2017 and it's only got more popular with time. The heartwarming BBC programme sees members of the public bring in precious items in need of some TLC and sees them transformed into their original glory.
Part of the show's charm is the often moving stories behind the items, but the programme is also hugely popular due to the team of experts that bring their professionalism and expertise to the workshop. Meet the team here...
Jay Blades
© Ricochet LtdJay Blades acts as presenter for The Repair Shop, but he's no stranger to hard work and restoration himself. The TV star runs his own business in restoration, Jay & Co, which uses recycled, reclaimed and reused materials, accessories, furniture, and fabric to create pieces that are "as good as new".
He also owns a production company, Hungry Jay Media, in collaboration with Hungry Bear Media, which develops a range of television formats with Jay both on-screen and behind the camera.
On The Repair Shop, Jay's there to offer support to the team working on the commissions as well as being the warm, welcoming face to those bringing their beloved possessions to the shop.
When he's not on our screens, Jay can be found at home with his wife Lisa Zbozen, who he wed in Barbados in November 2022.
Will Kirk
© BBCWill Kirk is a craftsman and expert in wood restoration. According to his website, he grew up watching his grandfather in his workshop, which inspired him to follow in his footsteps.
Will went on to study Graphic Design and Antique Furniture Restoration and Conservation at the University of the Arts and London Metropolitan University, respectively, before beginning to work in workshops and collaborate with dealers around London. He eventually set up a London-based workshop in 2012.
Away from the show, Will is married to his wife Polly. The couple welcomed a baby girl in July 2022.
Steve Fletcher
© Ricochet Ltd/Ruth Roxanne Board/BBCSteve works in the barn as a horologist – meaning he specialises in the repairing and function of clocks. Although Steve grew up watching his father repairing clocks, the presenter did admit that, at first, he wasn't interested in the craft and nearly went into a different career entirely.
He told the BBC: "I was always into nature and after watching All Creatures Great and Small on TV decided I would be a vet, so I took all the subjects at school to enable me to do this," he said. However, he then decided to pursue horology and, after studying the trade, Steven went on to begin his own business fixing watches, and has been doing so for over 45 years – so he's certainly well qualified for the show. Check out his amazing skills in the video below.
Suzie Fletcher
© Guy LevySuzie joined the show soon after her brother, Steve, convinced her to take part. Suzie, who is an expert in repairing leather and equestrian equipment, previously lived in America with her husband before he passed away, which then saw her return to the UK.
"Every time [Steve] called he looked to be having such a good time I jokingly said, 'If they need anyone to do leather I'm your gal.' I really was joking but after several phone calls and a lot of reassurance from Steve I agreed to give it a go and joined the team," she explained to the BBC.
"I'm so happy I did as this is one of the most enjoyable things I've ever been involved with. It's also helped me through some very dark days."
Kirsten Ramsay
© Ricochet Ltd/Ruth Roxanne Board/BBCKirsten is based in Sussex and has over 25 years in the business working with ceramics. As the resident ceramics conservator, Kirsten has been dubbed the queen of the invisible fix, helping to restore fragile items to return them to their home.
Kirsten began her career by studying at the prestigious West Dean College and ended up working at the conservation department at the British Museum in London. Afterwards, she went on to start up her own business alongside her work on the TV Show.
Kirsten said of the show: "The Repair Shop is a wonderful community and I love being a part of a creative and kind team hopefully making a small difference to the people that come through the barn doors."
Dominic Chinea
© Guy LevyDominic is a production designer and metalwork expert. He works across various mediums, including prop making, sign writing and car restoration.
Dom started his career as a graphic designer before going on to study at South East Essex College. Prior to landing a gig on the show, the metalwork maestro worked with Rankin Studios as a production designer, where he built props and backdrops for sets on editorial shoots and for large events.
Away from his work on The Repair Shop, Dom owns Ranalah Ltd and is reviving the brand in the hopes of spreading "the word as to how to use the wheeling machine".
His website reads: "My background is in both graphic design and car restoration, so set design combines my love of construction, problem solving and design all at once." Dominic then joined the likes of Will, Jay and more for the programme in 2017 and has not looked back.
As for his personal life, Dom married Maria Domican in 2017.
