Dame Helen Mirren will appear on the BBC's The Repair Shop this Christmas, bringing a cello broken by the Nazis during the Second World War for restoration. The instrument belongs to Denville Hall, a north London care home for entertainment industry professionals, which the Oscar-winning actress supports.
The cello was originally owned by theatre director Martin Landau, who fled Germany on the Kindertransport. However, the Nazis broke his instrument before he could board the train. It has not been played for more than 80 years, and Dame Helen hopes its repair will allow it to be used alongside the piano to perform Christmas songs for elderly residents.
Dame Helen said: 'Denville Hall is a very special place and we’ve long talked about repairing Martin’s cello. To be able to restore the voice of his prized possession and hear it play once more will be the greatest Christmas gift for the community at Denville Hall.' Expert Becky Houghton will undertake the repair.
The Christmas special also features Julia Donaldson and Rob Brydon, who bring a toy farmhouse for restoration before it is donated to a children's hospice. Other items include a mechanical Rudolph reindeer, a battered sledge, and a dilapidated carol book. The episode airs on BBC One this festive season.
