The Repair Shop expert Lucia Scalisi has announced the sad passing of a beloved guest who appeared on the hit BBC restoration show, prompting an outpouring of tributes from viewers.
A Heartfelt Tribute on Social Media
On 15th January 2026, Lucia Scalisi took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking news that Maria Kirk had died. The guest had featured in a memorable 2023 episode of the programme, where Lucia expertly restored her cherished family painting.
Scalisi's emotional post was accompanied by photographs of Maria with her restored artwork. "It is with sadness I learned today that the wonderful Maria Kirk passed last night," Lucia wrote, according to the Express.
The Painting's Extraordinary Wartime Journey
The episode centred on a precious Madonna and Child painting, a family heirloom that once belonged to Maria's late grandfather, Joseph, from Ukraine. Maria had recounted a harrowing tale of how the artwork survived the Second World War.
She explained that at the war's outset, her mother Irena, grandmother Halyna, and aunt Stefania fled the country, "escaping from the Russians [on] one side and the Germans [on] the other". Following Joseph's passing, the family chose to save the painting, carefully rolling it up and sewing it into the lining of her grandmother's coat for safekeeping.
"The women ran the gauntlet of both Russian and German enemy, captured and sent to work camps," Lucia elaborated in her tribute. "The painting was hidden inside her gran's coat."
A Lasting Legacy and a Final Wish
During the emotional episode, Maria was moved to tears when she saw Lucia's meticulous restoration, which brought the damaged painting back to life. However, her mission extended beyond the repair itself.
Maria's fervent wish was to see the painting returned to its original home in her family's village church in Ukraine, where a space on the wall reportedly still awaits it. "To this end Maria worked tirelessly spreading the word through exhibitions and talks in schools and community centres," Lucia wrote.
Scalisi concluded her tribute on a note of hope: "Let us hope peace prevails to this end, it will be Maria's lasting legacy."
Viewers Join in Mourning
The announcement prompted a flood of sympathetic responses from Lucia's followers and fans of the show. One viewer recalled, "We watched and remember that episode. May she rest in peace."
Another offered comfort, stating they were "glad you were able to restore it while she was alive." A third reflected on the episode's impact: "That episode of the Repair Shop was a favourite because of Maria's story and the painting. You made it come alive once again."
Many echoed the hope that Maria's ultimate wish for the painting's homecoming would one day be fulfilled. The Repair Shop is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
