THE REPAIR SHOP OPENS ITS DOORS FOR CELEBRITY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL ON BBC ONE

The Repair Shop is throwing open its barn doors to some very special guests this Christmas as Dame Helen Mirren, Julia Donaldson and Rob Brydon visit the experts to get some very special treasures mended and fixed in time for Christmas.

As well as welcoming their very special guests, they will be repairing a much loved life size, mechanical Rudolph, belonging to Leicestershire Fire service which has brought decades of festive cheer but is currently in a sorry state. The team also restore a battered and broken sledge that has seen 80 years of service for a family from Northern Ireland, and a dilapidated carol book that has played a central role in a little known but much celebrated local tradition in Sheffield.

Hollywood legend, Dame Helen Mirren is bringing along a beloved cello dating back to the Second World War which belongs to Denville Hall, a care home for people who have worked in the entertainment industry. Dame Helen is a loyal supporter of the care home and is looking to expert Becky Houghton to help give the cello some much needed care of its own.

The cello was left to Denville Hall by theatre director Martin Landau. Originally from Germany, Martin fled the country on the Kinder transport, but unfortunately his cello was broken by the Nazis before he was able to get on the train. It's not been played in over 80 years, and the care home would love to have it restored so that it can be used alongside the piano they have, to perform Christmas songs, uniting their elderly residents.

Dame Helen said: “Denville Hall is a very special place and we’ve long talked about repairing Martin’s cello. As you can imagine to be able to restore the voice of his prized possession and hear it play once more’ will be the greatest Christmas gift for the community at Denville Hall.”

Also visiting the magical barn this Christmas is author of the BBC’s forthcoming Christmas animated adventure, The Scarecrows Wedding, Julia Donaldson along with actor Rob Brydon. Rob has voiced a character in every one of Donaldson’s animated adaptations and together him and Julia are seeking a repair to a toy farmhouse that was given to Julia by her granny.

The farm was a much-loved toy that was played with by Julia and her sister so is full of childhood memories as well as being an inspiration for the setting of some of her books. Furniture Restorer Will Kirk and ceramics expert, Kirsten Ramsay will get busy bringing the farm back to life to inspire the next generation. Julia is gifting the farmhouse to Chestnut Tree House, a children’s hospice which Julia has a longstanding relationship with and where she has performed many of her stories.

Julia said: “Bringing stories alive through play is such a special part of childhood. My sister and I spent many happy hours making up stories around the farmyard and the thought of having it restored and shared and enjoyed once again with many more children means a lot to me. I am very grateful to Will and Kirsten and Rob and I can’t wait to see how it turns out.”

Joanna Ball, Managing Director at Ricochet, said: “It’s a real honour to be part of the BBC’s Christmas schedule and bring some Repair Shop magic to the festive season. With fixes for Dame Helen Mirren and Denville Hall, Julia Donaldson, Rob Brydon and Chestnut Tree House Hospice and the Fire Service of Leicester this year has been very special.”

Julie Shaw, Commissioning Editor for BBC Factual comments: “Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and this year’s Christmas special of The Repair Shop is guaranteed to be magical. Full of warmth that audiences have come to know and love from The Repair Shop experts, it’s a real treat for audiences to sit back, relax and enjoy, and maybe even shed a tear or two this Christmas.”

The Repair Shop Christmas Special airs this December on BBC One.