Dominic Chinea, known for his work on The Repair Shop, has revealed that his new series 'Dom Chinea's Cornish Workshop' was a 'hard' choice because it exposes more of his private life. The star, who describes himself as a very private person, told the Daily Telegraph: 'It was definitely different to filming The Repair Shop, but that was part of the reason to try to do it, to experience something new.'
From Kent to Cornwall: A Life-Changing Move
The idea for the show had been brewing for years. Dominic and his wife Maria regularly visited Cornwall as an 'escape' from their life in Kent. 'Driving down the A30, it feels like you're leaving the rest of the world behind you, it's just a different life here,' he said.
The couple, along with their dog Wendy, purchased an old stone farmhouse with a two-acre field, including a large agricultural barn that Dominic converted into his Cornish Workshop. The renovation has not been without challenges, particularly from Cornwall's tempestuous weather.
Storms and Setbacks
In January, ferocious storms battered the county, causing significant damage to the workshop roof. Dominic found himself juggling essential repairs with completing the farmhouse kitchen. 'The storm has caused a lot of damage, the workshop roof, various tiles and bits and bobs. I'm doing my best to deal with those, I've ordered more roof sheets and I've lined up roofers to try and fix the roof, but I'm also juggling trying to finish this kitchen,' he explained.
Despite the stress, Dominic described the relocation as a once-in-a-lifetime move: 'It is completely life-changing. It really is. I'm never moving again. It was stressful, but it's like having that workshop and having that at home has been a dream for so long. And I'm very, very fortunate, very grateful that I've actually been able to do it, but it doesn't come easy.'
The New Series: Helping Neighbours and Community
'Dom Chinea's Cornish Workshop' follows Dominic as he carves out a new life in far west Cornwall, carrying out automotive, engineering, and build work, as well as helping neighbours with their projects. He remains a part of The Repair Shop team and will appear in the next series.
Dominic also shared an amusing anecdote about his passion for the items featured on The Repair Shop. 'We were so in love with a Wilcox & Gibbs sewing machine somebody brought on to the show that four of us went off and got our own. We know we have to do that before the episode airs, because the prices shoot up on eBay as soon as people see the things on TV.'
A Private Star on Camera
While Dominic admits he would be 'terrible' at presenting a mainstream TV show, he finds it easy to forget the cameras when he is immersed in repair work. 'I would be terrible at presenting a shiny floor show, or a game show. But I'm fine being filmed doing stuff I love doing,' he said.
