In a recent episode of the beloved BBC series The Repair Shop, restoration specialist Amanda Middleditch confessed to being 'absolutely terrified' while working on a fragile 1966 World Cup mascot. The soft toy, known as World Cup Willie, belonged to lifelong football fan Steph Taylor and her daughter Alison, who brought the battered keepsake to the barn in hopes of salvaging it.
The Story Behind the Mascot
Steph purchased the toy at her first match in 1966, having secured tickets to every fixture at Wembley Stadium, including the final. She carried Willie in her pocket throughout the tournament. The guest also revealed that she attended the matches with her future husband, Chris, and their relationship blossomed during that time. The couple married the same year, and their daughter Alison was born eight months later.
Tragically, Chris died of an asthma attack just nine months after Alison's birth. 'That makes Willie much more significant,' observed restoration expert Julie Tatchell. Alison added, 'Because they weren't together very long, he's the only thing that I have that connects mum and dad. So, it's quite special to me as well.'
The Restoration Challenge
Julie and Amanda quickly began work on the 'very important' keepsake, but Amanda appeared visibly apprehensive. 'He looks extremely fragile, doesn't he? I'm quite concerned about his face,' she admitted. 'This little guy's face is absolutely terrifying. The damp has left him with these two ugly holes. I've got to make him look good again.'
The expert carefully threaded a fresh piece of fabric beneath the toy's deteriorating face, proceeding with great caution. 'I'm holding my breath here because the worst thing that could happen is his face disintegrates on me, and then I would have to replace the whole face,' she explained. 'Oh, it's a scary one! I think this is actually scarier than taking a penalty in the World Cup final. [I'm] absolutely terrified. But we can do this.'
The Emotional Reveal
Julie and Amanda triumphantly restored World Cup Willie, leaving both Steph and Alison utterly lost for words as they were reunited with their treasured possession. 'Oh my goodness, that's amazing!' said Alison, while her mother remarked, 'I don't know if he's ever looked that good!' A visibly moved Steph added, '[I'm] quite filled up about it all, really. Yeah.'
Alison went on to say, 'He's quite special because he's a link to my mum and my dad. He's the only thing that really connects them,' before Steph concluded, 'He's a very important lion.'
The Repair Shop is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
