1) IS THE REPAIR SHOP A REAL BUSINESS?
The Repair Shop is not an operational business. Many of the experts featured on the show – the professionals who specialise in fields like woodwork, toys, or jukeboxes – do, however, run their own private shops, separate to the one seen on the programme.
2) can anyone visit the repair shop barn while visiting the museum?
The inside of The Repair Shop barn is always closed to the public. Whilst filming is taking place access will necessarily be more restricted, with the area of the forge being the closest you may get to the barn. There are occasions when the Museum does grant special viewings of the barn for the public; such occasions are made clear on the Museum website which should always be checked before visiting for current status. The Weald & Downland Living Museum as a whole offers numerous other attractions which will always make your visit worthwhile, regardless of access to TRS barn.
NOTE: In view of the current restrictions surrounding COVID-19, please always check the Museum website if you are thinking of visiting, prior to leaving home in case of necessary closure.
NOTE: In view of the current restrictions surrounding COVID-19, please always check the Museum website if you are thinking of visiting, prior to leaving home in case of necessary closure.
3) Can I take or post something TO BE REPAIRED AT to The Repair Shop?
Repairs are by successful application and invitation only. Posted items will not be delivered, or received at The Repair Shop. The Repair Shop only exists as the setting for a television entertainment show only. Is not a real shop and is not open for non-televised business.
4) Okay, how do i apply for something to be repaired at The Repair Shop?
You can apply to be featured on the series, by going to the 'Take Part' section on the BBC website.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/take-part/the-repair-shop
Applications are to the production company Ricochet.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/take-part/the-repair-shop
Applications are to the production company Ricochet.
5) is the website the only way i can apply to be on the show?
You can apply via email to [email protected]
Applicants need to fill out a form by answering a series of questions about themselves, the broken item in question, and their relationship with the item.
You are also encouraged to upload a short video of yourself with the item.
If you prefer more traditional means, you can apply by post to:
The Repair Shop,
Ricochet
Pacific House
126 Dyke Road
Brighton
BN1 3TE
Applicants need to fill out a form by answering a series of questions about themselves, the broken item in question, and their relationship with the item.
You are also encouraged to upload a short video of yourself with the item.
If you prefer more traditional means, you can apply by post to:
The Repair Shop,
Ricochet
Pacific House
126 Dyke Road
Brighton
BN1 3TE
6) Can anyone apply to be on the show?
You must be aged 18 or older to apply. Otherwise applicants are open to everyone.
7) does the Repair Shop charge for repairs?
Luckily for anyone taking their family heirlooms to be repaired, there is no charge. In fact it is a unique notably element of the show that money and value are never discussed. The Repair Shop is made as an entertainment show for the BBC by Ricochet Productions. As a public service broadcaster the show is not only free to view, it does not charge for the service.
The Head of Factual at The Repair Shop's production company, Ricochet, Rob Butterfield, explained: "We don’t charge for repairs. If people wish to make a donation to a charity, we’re very happy with that, but it’s by no means necessary."
The Head of Factual at The Repair Shop's production company, Ricochet, Rob Butterfield, explained: "We don’t charge for repairs. If people wish to make a donation to a charity, we’re very happy with that, but it’s by no means necessary."
8) when was the repair shop first aired and how many episodes have there been?
The Repair Shop was first shown on 27th March 2017 on BBC Two.
As of 10th January 2024 there will have been 372 episodes aired across 15 series.
Additionally there have been re-edited and re-narrated extended versions of episode with additional repairs added. The 60 minute versions of series 4 episodes were shown in the prime time slot of 8pm Wednesday evenings on BBC One, inter-mixed with the series 6 run, during 2020. Series 5 episodes are similarly airing as re-edited prime time hour long episodes; to date all repairs have all previously been seen in a series 5 episode (usually all 3 repairs from an episode + 1 more from a different episode).
Series 1 - 15 episodes + a Christmas Special (2017)
Series 2 - 15 episodes
Series 3 - 15 episodes
Series 4 - 30 episodes
60 minute versions (extended series 4) - 30 episodes
Series 5 - 40 episodes + a Christmas Special (2019)
Series 5 extended versions - 20 episodes
Series 6 - 14 episodes + a Christmas Special (2020)
Series 7 - 40 episodes
Series 8 - 14 episodes + a Christmas Special (2021)
Series 9 - 40 episodes aired to date
Series 10 - 14 episodes
Series 11 - 40 episodes shown to date
Series 12 - 14 episodes (3 are scheduled but yet to air, at time of writing on 21st December '2023)
Fixing Britain - 15 episodes
Since Series 5, two series have run parallel to each other within the same calendar year. These consist of:
1) A daytime weekdays/5 days per week series of 40 episodes, usually split into 2 halves with a scheduling break half way, either side of the schedule-heavy summer sport season.
2) A once weekly prime time series of hour long episodes usually on Wednesday evenings at 8pm. These series consist of 14 episodes usually.
To date the weekday/daytime series has had an odd series number and the weekly prime time series is an even numbered series.
Extended re-edited versions of episode previously aired in the daytime slot, with 4 repairs instead of 3 featured, also sometimes air in the Wednesday evening primetime slot.
As of 10th January 2024 there will have been 372 episodes aired across 15 series.
Additionally there have been re-edited and re-narrated extended versions of episode with additional repairs added. The 60 minute versions of series 4 episodes were shown in the prime time slot of 8pm Wednesday evenings on BBC One, inter-mixed with the series 6 run, during 2020. Series 5 episodes are similarly airing as re-edited prime time hour long episodes; to date all repairs have all previously been seen in a series 5 episode (usually all 3 repairs from an episode + 1 more from a different episode).
Series 1 - 15 episodes + a Christmas Special (2017)
Series 2 - 15 episodes
Series 3 - 15 episodes
Series 4 - 30 episodes
60 minute versions (extended series 4) - 30 episodes
Series 5 - 40 episodes + a Christmas Special (2019)
Series 5 extended versions - 20 episodes
Series 6 - 14 episodes + a Christmas Special (2020)
Series 7 - 40 episodes
Series 8 - 14 episodes + a Christmas Special (2021)
Series 9 - 40 episodes aired to date
Series 10 - 14 episodes
Series 11 - 40 episodes shown to date
Series 12 - 14 episodes (3 are scheduled but yet to air, at time of writing on 21st December '2023)
Fixing Britain - 15 episodes
Since Series 5, two series have run parallel to each other within the same calendar year. These consist of:
1) A daytime weekdays/5 days per week series of 40 episodes, usually split into 2 halves with a scheduling break half way, either side of the schedule-heavy summer sport season.
2) A once weekly prime time series of hour long episodes usually on Wednesday evenings at 8pm. These series consist of 14 episodes usually.
To date the weekday/daytime series has had an odd series number and the weekly prime time series is an even numbered series.
Extended re-edited versions of episode previously aired in the daytime slot, with 4 repairs instead of 3 featured, also sometimes air in the Wednesday evening primetime slot.
9) Is there an official 'The Repair Shop' book?
Yes there are three to date:
‘The Repair Shop: Life in the Barn: The Inside Stories from the Experts’ - first published on 13th October 2022 by Kyle Books @ *
'The Repair Shop: Tales From The Workshop of Dreams' - first published on 5th November 2020 by BBC Books * #
‘The Repair Shop: A Make Do and Mend Handbook’ first published on 25th July 2019 by BBC Books *
Related titles also available:
Jay Blades "Making It", his autobiography - first published 1st January 2021 @ * #
Jay Blades 'DIY with Jay' by Jay Blades - first published 15th September 2022 *
Dominic Chinea 'Tools: A Visual History' - first published 6th October 2022 * @
All titles available in hardback format, selected titles also available as per key below in audiobook, Kindle and paperback formats.
@ Audiobook version also available
* Kindle version also available
# Paperback version also available
All the above books are widely available from all good book shops, selected supermarkets etc and the usual online retailers.
They can also be purchased from the Weald and Downland Museum’s online shop, along with other show related items, at the link below:
‘The Repair Shop: Life in the Barn: The Inside Stories from the Experts’ - first published on 13th October 2022 by Kyle Books @ *
'The Repair Shop: Tales From The Workshop of Dreams' - first published on 5th November 2020 by BBC Books * #
‘The Repair Shop: A Make Do and Mend Handbook’ first published on 25th July 2019 by BBC Books *
Related titles also available:
Jay Blades "Making It", his autobiography - first published 1st January 2021 @ * #
Jay Blades 'DIY with Jay' by Jay Blades - first published 15th September 2022 *
Dominic Chinea 'Tools: A Visual History' - first published 6th October 2022 * @
All titles available in hardback format, selected titles also available as per key below in audiobook, Kindle and paperback formats.
@ Audiobook version also available
* Kindle version also available
# Paperback version also available
All the above books are widely available from all good book shops, selected supermarkets etc and the usual online retailers.
They can also be purchased from the Weald and Downland Museum’s online shop, along with other show related items, at the link below:
10) is the repair shop busy while it is being filmed?
Yes. There are benches available for up to 12 repairs and they could all be occupied in the barn at the same time. Equally there are many times when much fewer repairs are being undertaken. There is often a mixture where there are some of the regular experts and some of the guest experts who are busy in the barn at the same time. Therefore, whenever we see a photo of The Repair Shop folk, it is only those who would be in the barn on the day the photo was taken. There is no photo seen as yet where all 11 regular experts are in the same one photo.
11) what does jay blades do on the show?
Jay serves as the main host whilst serving as the primary guest greeter, and he is the foreman for The Repair Shop. His foreman role includes behind the scenes duties of being involved in acquiring materials and specialist help. He brings his prior TV presenting experience to his role on The Repair Shop; he is co-presenter of the BBC show "Money For Nothing" and now also "Jay Blade's Home Fix". With many of the regular experts having grown more comfortable in front of the camera and greeting guests over time, he has become less present on camera as the series has developed.
12) i'm a member of a community group, can i APPLY on behalf of the group?
The Repair Shop's production company, Ricochet, are always keen to hear from communities who have objects of historical or social interest that they'd help with.
13) Are Steve Fletcher and Suzie Fletcher related?
Yes, they are brother and sister. Fred is Steve's son.
14) has the repair shop won any awards?
In September 2018 it received a prestigious 3rd place in the EBU Creative Forum annual event, which is exclusively for public broadcast TV shows from across Europe and beyond. EBU is the European Broadcasting Union.
In both March 2019 & March 2020 The Repair Shop was awarded Best Daytime Programme by the Royal Television Society. The RTS Awards are the gold standard of achievement in the television community. Each year, six awards recognise excellence across the entire range of programme making and broadcasting skills.
In December 2019, it received the international Rose d'or prize for Reality and Factual Entertainment. The prestigious Rose d’Or Awards define the gold standard for excellence and achievement in entertainment programming.
On 5th February 2020 it won Best Daytime Programme at The Broadcast Awards. The Broadcast Awards are the most hotly anticipated event in the television industry calendar. Celebrating the very best in British programming and channels. The awards recognise and reward the UK’s most ground-breaking content, creators and channels.
In December 2020 it won the TV Times award for Favourite Factual Show.
In June 2021, TRS received a BAFTA nomination in the Features category.A BAFTA is an award given by BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts), a world-leading independent arts charity for outstanding achievement in British film and television in a specific category. Although The Repair didn’t win a BAFTA this time, to receive a nomination is an accolade, an acknowledgment, in itself.
Early in 2021, TRS was one of four TV programmes to be nominated in the Daytime category of the NTA awards. The National Television Awards is Britain’s leading TV awards event and all awards are chosen by public votes. At the live awards ceremony on 9th Sept 2021, TRS didn’t win the NTA award this time, however, it was a huge achievement to receive a nomination.
On 15th Sept 2021, TRS was awarded best Factual programme in the annual TRIC awards. The Television And Radio Industries Club, established in 1931, is a not-for-profit organisation that raises money for chosen national charities through events, including the annual high profile TRIC Awards that celebrates achievement across the broadcasting industry.
In March 2022, The Repair Shop was nominated for an award by The Royal Television Society. They were one of three nominees in the Formatted Popular Factual category but, sadly didn't win. However, the TRS team themselves are proud to have been nominated.
In both March 2019 & March 2020 The Repair Shop was awarded Best Daytime Programme by the Royal Television Society. The RTS Awards are the gold standard of achievement in the television community. Each year, six awards recognise excellence across the entire range of programme making and broadcasting skills.
In December 2019, it received the international Rose d'or prize for Reality and Factual Entertainment. The prestigious Rose d’Or Awards define the gold standard for excellence and achievement in entertainment programming.
On 5th February 2020 it won Best Daytime Programme at The Broadcast Awards. The Broadcast Awards are the most hotly anticipated event in the television industry calendar. Celebrating the very best in British programming and channels. The awards recognise and reward the UK’s most ground-breaking content, creators and channels.
In December 2020 it won the TV Times award for Favourite Factual Show.
In June 2021, TRS received a BAFTA nomination in the Features category.A BAFTA is an award given by BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts), a world-leading independent arts charity for outstanding achievement in British film and television in a specific category. Although The Repair didn’t win a BAFTA this time, to receive a nomination is an accolade, an acknowledgment, in itself.
Early in 2021, TRS was one of four TV programmes to be nominated in the Daytime category of the NTA awards. The National Television Awards is Britain’s leading TV awards event and all awards are chosen by public votes. At the live awards ceremony on 9th Sept 2021, TRS didn’t win the NTA award this time, however, it was a huge achievement to receive a nomination.
On 15th Sept 2021, TRS was awarded best Factual programme in the annual TRIC awards. The Television And Radio Industries Club, established in 1931, is a not-for-profit organisation that raises money for chosen national charities through events, including the annual high profile TRIC Awards that celebrates achievement across the broadcasting industry.
In March 2022, The Repair Shop was nominated for an award by The Royal Television Society. They were one of three nominees in the Formatted Popular Factual category but, sadly didn't win. However, the TRS team themselves are proud to have been nominated.
15) Do Julie and amanda really work together outside of The repair shop?
Yes. "The Teddy Bear Ladies", as they are known on the show, began their working lives together in 2016 and work from a studio near Southampton. Their home-based studio and shop is called "Bear It In Mind" - they have a joint Twitter account of the same name.
16) what can you tell me about the barn?
The main workshop, where the experts greet families and work on their treasured objects, is in The Court Barn. The thatched, timber framed building dates back to the late 17th century and would have been used for threshing and the storing of crops.
The barn is transformed into The Repair Shop during the duration of the filming and kitted out with all the necessary equipment and tools for each of the crafts. The Repair Shop also uses the adjacent buildings, which are called The Wagon Shed and Stables. The barn was re-thatched for the fifth series, adding to its beautiful look.
The barn is transformed into The Repair Shop during the duration of the filming and kitted out with all the necessary equipment and tools for each of the crafts. The Repair Shop also uses the adjacent buildings, which are called The Wagon Shed and Stables. The barn was re-thatched for the fifth series, adding to its beautiful look.
17) How many experts does the show have?
As at March 2023 there are 11 regular experts and to date 62 guest experts
Specialists are called upon as needed for specific repair items; when unique items are brought in for repair, the number of guest experts is likely to grow.
Specialists are called upon as needed for specific repair items; when unique items are brought in for repair, the number of guest experts is likely to grow.
18) Is there any official "the repair shop" merchandise available?
Yes. The Weald and Downland Museum are offering books DVDs and The Repair Shop letter mugs via their onsite shop, on site and also via purchase via their online shop. The books are also available for purchase from other retail and online stores.
As home to the The Repair Shop during filming, they consider the cast and crew as practically a part of the Museum family. Every purchase of show merchandise directly supports the Museum, their activities and their conservation work. (All items are subject to availability)
As home to the The Repair Shop during filming, they consider the cast and crew as practically a part of the Museum family. Every purchase of show merchandise directly supports the Museum, their activities and their conservation work. (All items are subject to availability)
19) IS IT TRUE THAT JAY BLADES CAME UP WITH THE ORIGINAL IDEA FOR 'THE REPAIR SHOP'
No, it wasn’t Jay’s idea. Jay wrote about this in his autobiography and this is an extract with Jay himself explaining:
“The concept was basic - ordinary people would bring treasured items into a repair shop and a team of repairers would fix them. Ordinary people, ordinary items: ordinary repairers..
The creative director of Ricochet* Katy Thorogood, had the initial brainwave for the show. After her mother passed away, she had taken the old armchair that her mum used to sit on when she watched TV, to a professional upholsterer to be refurbished.
The upholsterer had done a blinding job, and when Katy went to collect it, she had been so overcome by emotion that she had burst into tears. And that was the precise moment that she had the idea for The Repair Shop.
Katy had thought. “I can’t be unique. There must be millions of people like me who would be incredibly moved to see treasured items, and family heirlooms, restored to their former glory!”.
Jay says “ It’s true what they say .. sometimes the simplest ideas are the best”
*Ricochet is the show’s production company.
“The concept was basic - ordinary people would bring treasured items into a repair shop and a team of repairers would fix them. Ordinary people, ordinary items: ordinary repairers..
The creative director of Ricochet* Katy Thorogood, had the initial brainwave for the show. After her mother passed away, she had taken the old armchair that her mum used to sit on when she watched TV, to a professional upholsterer to be refurbished.
The upholsterer had done a blinding job, and when Katy went to collect it, she had been so overcome by emotion that she had burst into tears. And that was the precise moment that she had the idea for The Repair Shop.
Katy had thought. “I can’t be unique. There must be millions of people like me who would be incredibly moved to see treasured items, and family heirlooms, restored to their former glory!”.
Jay says “ It’s true what they say .. sometimes the simplest ideas are the best”
*Ricochet is the show’s production company.