Ricochet’s The Repair Shop is making a Christmas special for BBC One with Dame Helen Mirren, Julia Donaldson and Rob Brydon visiting the experts to get treasures mended and fixed in time for Christmas.
The experts 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 has 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.
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.
Also visiting the Repair Shop 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 they are seeking a repair to a toy farmhouse that was given to Julia by her granny. Julia is gifting the farmhouse to Chestnut Tree House,
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 one hour Christmas special was commissioned for BBC One and iPlayer by Julie Shaw and Catherine Catton, Senior Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Events. The Executive Producers for Ricochet are Emma Walsh, Sandy Watson and Hannah Lamb and the series producer is Shane Normoyle.
Pippa Considine
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