‘These stories are really special'

Jay Blades talks to TV Times about his hit feel-good show

- REBECCA FLETCHER

The nation’s favourite heirloom fixers return this week, and The Repair Shop host Jay Blades is all smiles as he tells TV Times about the restorations coming our way in the workshop of dreams.

‘I’m over the moon to be back because I remember filming these episodes and thinking, “Wow, I can’t wait for viewers to see them!”’ says Jay, who is now a household name thanks to the hit BBC series that follows his team of expert craftspeople as they bring broken, treasured items back to life.

‘These stories are really special and it’s because of the wonderful people who visit our barn to share their family history. They’re salt of-the-earth folk – and we’ve got some true gems coming up, with fabulous tales and memories to preserve. You’re in for a treat.’

Here, in an exclusive interview, Jay, 51, tells us more…

Welcome back, Jay! This new series is perfectly timed as the nights start drawing in…

Agreed! The Repair Shop is comfort TV, the only show that gives you a hug as you’re watching. It makes you feel good inside.

The people who bring their treasures to the barn share very personal stories. Why do you think they’re so open with you?

Because they trust us and we make them feel so welcome. They’ve seen us and the barn on TV so they feel safe, and we go out of our way to create a warm atmosphere and sometimes chat for hours – you guys only see three minutes of them arriving in the show!

It’s humbling for us and a real privilege to have their trust.