Jay Blades on Repair Shop© BBC

The Repair Shop fans divided over 'error' with repair in new episode

Jay Blades, Will Kirk and more are back on BBC One

Senior Features Writer
Updated: September 15, 2023

The Repair Shop returned for a new episode on Wednesday evening and, unsurprisingly, many viewers at home were left feeling emotional while watching.

However, some were divided on their thoughts about one repair completed by Brenton West. Gordon and his daughter Kelly came into the barn with Gordon's medal he received in his army days when he served in the Middle East and Germany.

WATCH: The Repair Shop wins big at the National Television Awards

Brenton worked his magic on the precious item, removing most of the dents and polishing it to perfection. Amanda Middleditch, meanwhile, worked on the mount and repaired the ribbon.

After the incredible repair was revealed, some fans at home pointed out an "error" with the medal mount. One person wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Love the programs, but the obvious error with the medal mounting had me shouting at the TV." Another agreed and responded with: "Same here!"

MORE: The Repair Shop's Jay Blades addresses season break with update on show

MORE: The Repair Shop's Steve Fletcher wows fans with incredible restoration amid show break 

© BBC

Gordon and Kelly were thrilled with their repair

Speaking about the episode on the whole, a third wrote: "A great show, but it was the first time that I saw a repair being done which didn't seem very well planned and just might fail."

However, others were seriously impressed with the outcome. One person mused: "I loved it. How much those repairs and restorations meant to those who owned them. And the emotion of that guy's daughter who felt so privileged to pin her father's medal onto his lapel again. Priceless!"

© BBC

The Repair Shop is back for new episodes

A second echoed this, commenting: "Beautiful repair on that war medal. Well deserved. #therepairshop," as a third wrote: "Absolute fantastic job on Gordon's war medal #therepairshop." A fourth simply put: "#TheRepairShop Brenton never fails."

Elsewhere in the episode, the barn welcomed a professional goalkeeper who brought in a programme from a momentous match he played in 1970. 

© Guy Levy

Suzie Fletcher

As the synopsis explains: "Peter Grotier was a member of the West Ham team that flew out to New York to play an exhibition game against Santos just after Brazil had won the World Cup. Not only was Peter's hero Sir Bobby Moore in his squad, but they were playing against his other hero, the great goalscorer Pele."

The synopsis continues: "Next to arrive is Debbie, with a special soulmate she's kept close her entire life. The teddy, gifted at birth and named McNem for reasons none of her family remembers, provided comfort for Debbie when her father passed away when she was just 12 years old.

© Sarah Weal

Will Kirk on The Repair Shop

"In later years, subsequent ill-health of her own has left her relying on the little bear even more. With hardly any fur, a wonky leg and holes in his feet, toy restorers Julie Tatchell and Amanda Middleditch know just how important it is to get McNem fighting-fit once again."

The Repair Shop viewers have come to know and adore the experts on the show who work tirelessly in the barn to restore beloved items to their original glory.

Hosted by Jay Blades, who himself is an expert in furniture restoration, the programme has a roster of professionals with their own unique set of skills in a range of different areas.

Who are the experts on The Repair Shop?

© Guy Levy

Sonnaz Nooranvary, Lucia Scalisi, Julie Tatchell, William Kirk, Jay Blades, Amanda Middleditch, Suzie Fletcher, Dominic Chinea, Steve Fletcher

  • Jay Blades: Presenter and furniture restoration expert
  • Will Kirk: Carpenter and woodwork expert
  • Steve Fletcher: Horologist
  • Suzie Fletcher: Leatherworker and saddle expert
  • Kirsten Ramsay: Expert in ceramics
  • Dominic Chinea: Metal worker and car restorer
  • Brenton West: Silversmith, photography expert
  • Sonnaz Nooranvary: Upholstery Restorer
  • Amanda Middleditch and Julie Tatchell: Soft toy restores known as 'The Teddy Bear Ladies'
  • Lucia Scalisi: Painting and artwork restorer
  • Mark Stuckey: Electronics expert and radio restorer
  • Neil Fairley: Vintage electronics repairer
  • Hannah Weston Smith: Traditional Upholsterer

Will there be more episodes of The Repair Shop?

Yes! Jay Blades announced earlier this year that the programme had been commissioned for more series across the next two years. 

© BBC

Jay Blades and Sonnaz Nooranvary

While chatting to reporters including HELLO! backstage at the TV BAFTAs in May, Jay revealed: "I think we've been commissioned for another two years if I'm not mistaken. We are going to do more. We've just won a BAFTA so I think they're going to want us to stay on air."

The Repair Shop series 12 continues on BBC One next Wednesday at 8pm. 

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