The Repair Shop’s Amanda Middleditch and Julie Tatchell, known as the Teddy Bear Ladies, have asked for help as they prepare to film the Christmas special
Stars from the beloved BBC programme The Repair Shop are seeking assistance from viewers.
In a touching video, posted on their shared Instagram account earlier this week, Amanda asks followers: “Julie, why are we packing all this away?”.
Julie, wearing a Santa hat, replies: “Because it’s not Christmas anymore.” Amanda laughs before replying: “Ah, but it will be soon.”
A confused Julie asks: “Will it?” Amanda replies: “Yeah because The Repair Shop will be filming their next Christmas special and we need items, much-loved treasured items, that have a lovely, warm, Christmassy story behind them.”
Julie Tatchell and Amanda Middleditch have turned to social media requesting support from fans (Image: BBC)
Julie continues: “You must have something out there.”
Her co-star adds: “You never know what we might get but please please, have a good think.”
The caption accompanying the video read: “If you have a treasured item that has a Christmas story please go to bbc.co.uk/takepart or email [email protected].”
The Repair Shop team need your help (Image: BBC)
Amanda and Julie have established themselves as fixtures on the popular BBC One show, offering their specialist knowledge to those bringing beloved toys requiring restoration.
Julie employs traditional toy-making techniques and focuses on reviving soft toys and antique bears. She partnered with Amanda in 2006 to establish Bear it in Mind, a restoration enterprise based in the New Forest.
Beyond their regular television and radio appearances, the duo present a podcast called ‘Bearly Begun’ and maintain an active presence on Twitter and Instagram. They’ve also penned a popular children’s book together.
Despite assumptions, the pair aren’t relatives but rather devoted friends. Having worked alongside each other for more than 15 years, they share a genuine enthusiasm for their craft.
Their Instagram profile showcases the diverse restoration projects Julie and Amanda have tackled.
Their exceptional work caught the BBC’s eye, leading to an invitation to join The Repair Shop, which they accepted in 2017.
Episodes of The Repair Shop is available to watch on BBC iPlayer
