The Repair Shop's beloved 'Teddy Bear Ladies' have opened up about the emotional challenges of filming the popular BBC series. Julie Tatchell and Amanda Middleditch, known for their expertise in restoring soft toys, spoke candidly with Alan Titchmarsh on his ITV programme about the emotional rollercoaster they experience behind the scenes.
Emotional Coping Mechanisms
Amanda admitted that she often cries away from the cameras, saying, "There is always a stash hidden, so we can grab a tissue if we need one." She revealed that she hugs guests after revealing their restored items to keep her emotions in check. "That's why I tend to shuffle around to give her a bit of a hug because it gives me something to focus on," she explained.
Behind-the-Scenes Support
The duo support each other emotionally during filming. "It is hard," Amanda acknowledged, "But we are quite fortunate. We kind of play off each other, so usually, different things trigger us. So one will sense that the other one is starting to go, and will kind of take over the conversation." Julie added, "You could see I was about to lose it, I think it was quite clear."
Producers Limit Emotional Footage
Amanda noted that producers intentionally limit how much emotional footage makes it to air to keep the programme engaging, despite the deeply moving moments that occur inside the barn. Alan Titchmarsh, who has himself welled up on screen, asked about their experiences, prompting the revelations.
Close Friendship, Not Family
Julie and Amanda have become recognisable fixtures on The Repair Shop since it launched in 2017. Despite appearing together often, they are not related but are close friends who share a deep love for restoring toys. They first joined forces in 2006, brought together by their passion for encouraging others to embrace needlework. They later merged this interest with teddy bear and soft toy restoration, running workshops for children and parents at imaginative birthday parties.
Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh airs Sundays from 9.30am, and The Repair Shop is available on BBC iPlayer.
