The beloved BBC restoration series, The Repair Shop, delivered its heartwarming 2024 Christmas special this week, but the episode took an unexpected turn into festive chaos. Aired on Wednesday, December 17, the programme featured its usual emotional fixes before descending into a playful snowball fight that saw experts scrambling for cover.
Puffins and a Miniature Village Get the Magic Touch
The episode began with the skilled team tackling two cherished projects. Two large fibreglass puffins, beloved fixtures at a children's bookshop where they have welcomed young visitors for years, were brought into the barn for restoration. The task of sprucing up the iconic birds fell to regular experts Dominic Chinea and Brenton West.
Meanwhile, a separate team consisting of Will Kirk, Steve Fletcher, and Mark Stuckey worked on reviving a captivating miniature Christmas village. In another poignant segment, Suzie Fletcher restored a donkey saddle used by its owner since he was seven years old, a family heirloom passed down through four generations of farmers.
Festive Fun Erupts into Playful Mayhem
After the touching restorations, the mood shifted dramatically. A group of excited children, invited to see the refurbished puffins, were encouraged to join in some festive fun. The chaos reportedly began when Dominic Chinea playfully lobbed a snowball at Brenton West's head, eliciting gasps and giggles from the young audience.
Seizing the moment, Amanda Middleditch – one half of the famed 'Teddy Bear Ladies' – rallied the children, shouting: "Come on, kids, let's get them." The youngsters quickly began crafting snowballs and pelting the experts, forcing Dominic to take refuge behind one of the newly restored puffins.
Experts Scramble for Sanctuary
As the playful assault intensified, Amanda Middleditch decided a strategic retreat was the best course of action. She was captured on camera making a swift escape from the fray, seeking the sanctuary of the barn's interior while the commotion continued outside.
The special concluded with a reminder for viewers to tune in for the next festive instalment. The 2025 Christmas special of The Repair Shop is scheduled for Boxing Day on BBC One at 7.30pm. It will feature special guests including Helen Mirren, Julia Donaldson, and Rob Brydon, who will bring their own treasured items in need of repair.
The entire 2024 Christmas special, complete with its heartwarming moments and unexpected snowball fight, is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
