Suzie Fletcher from The Repair Shop has opened up about the emotional toll that filming can take, as the team works to restore treasured items for guests on the popular BBC One programme.
During an appearance on the Feels Like Healing podcast, Suzie disclosed that there are times when production must be paused because the emotions run high among the crew.
Suzie recounted: "There have been moments were we have actually had to stop filming, because all of us were so affected by the sharing and people's upfrontness and willingness to share. It's lovely to hear somebody's story, because we all have a story in us and it's done with no judgement and it's actually what they (guests) probably need and they feel better."
The emotional journey isn't exclusive to the repair team; guests too experience a wave of feelings upon entering the set. Suzie shared how the atmosphere changes once guests step through the iconic barn doors: "We have so many people come in and say 'I wasn't going to cry' but as soon as you walk through those big doors there is a vibe change in the barn, it's safe and it's caring and it's genuine and it's why it has been so successful."
Suzie has previously opened up on the poignant final words of her husband before he succumbed to cancer. Her spouse, Jamie, also known as Rob, tragically passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 52, an event she reflects on in her memoir from 2013.
She recalled a moment of clarity when Rob uttered his last words, seemingly driving an imaginary car: "On Monday morning, Rob became quite lucid and started talking. 'Baby blue,' he repeated a few times, 'Brum, brum, brum, drive'. The words were clear, but the meaning was not. And while he was speaking, his arms were going up and then down."
Currently airing its 14th series, The Repair Shop showcases a talented ensemble of craftspeople who work tirelessly to restore cherished family heirlooms.
In tonight's episode, viewers will witness Suzie apply her considerable talents to refurbish a 1970s stuffed leather toy kangaroo. Despite facing a daunting restoration challenge, Suzie successfully revives the treasured toy, delighting the guest, Matthew, with the results.
The latest instalment of The Repair Shop promises more heartwarming restorations as Suzie and the team return to our screens on today at 8 pm on BBC One.
