The Repair Shop: Beyond the Barn has returned to BBC One with a new narrator, and fans will recognise the voice as Scottish actress Ashley Jensen.
Jensen, 57, is best known for playing the title role in Agatha Raisin and DI Ruth Calder in Shetland. She also earned a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2008 for her portrayal of Maggie Jacobs in Extras.
Who is Ashley Jensen?
Beyond her on-screen roles, Jensen has narrated several productions, including Channel 4 medical series Embarrassing Bodies and Embarrassing Illnesses, as well as various television and radio advertisements.
In her private life, she shares a son with her former husband, actor Terence Beesley, whom she met in 1999 while performing in King Lear. Beesley died in November 2017, and Jensen said at the time: "I was extremely shocked by what happened that night and I will never forget it. Terry and I had been together for 18 years but I had no idea he was capable of what he did."
Recent roles and the original narrator
Jensen married actor Kenny Doughty in August 2023. She recently starred in the BBC sitcom Rambling alongside Mark Bonnar, filmed in rural Scotland. Jensen said of the show: "It's smart, honest, poignant, moving and funny. It's about loss, loneliness, and our need for connection. I started my career with the BBC Comedy unit a long time ago, so I am delighted to return and be part of Rambling and to be reunited with the talented Mark Bonnar along with a resilient and incredibly skilled crew with whom we will be braving the Scottish elements to bring this beautiful special to life."
The main Repair Shop series, on air since 2017, has been narrated by Bill Paterson and Robert Pugh. Pugh voiced series two, three and four, while Paterson narrated the rest. Paterson, 81, has narrated documentaries including The Farmers' Country Showdown and the BBC's Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Pugh, 77, is known for roles in Game of Thrones, Torchwood, The White Queen, Doctor Foster and Mr Selfridge.
In tonight's episode of Beyond the Barn, specialist Mark Stuckey restores a portable record player bought in Uganda in 1972, Richard Talman rebuilds a signet ring, and Pete Woods repairs a Ghanaian djembe drum. The Repair Shop: Beyond the Barn airs Wednesdays on BBC One at 8pm.
