Dominic Chinea, a beloved star of the BBC's hit show The Repair Shop, has shared a concerning health update, admitting he felt "terrible" after a "manic" period balancing his television duties with running his own classic car restoration workshop. The metalworker, who joined the show as an expert in 2017 and now co-presents with Will Kirk, revealed the toll of his busy schedule in a recent YouTube video.
Exhaustion and Illness Take Their Toll
In the video, Chinea explained that work on his projects had stalled due to a combination of illness and an intense filming schedule. He said, "I am really ill, I've got a horrible cold and I'm feeling extremely run down. It's been a busy couple of weeks with the NEC in the middle and I spent two weeks filming Repair Shop. It has been manic and I am exhausted and feeling terrible." This candid admission highlights the physical demands of his dual roles, which have left him struggling to maintain momentum in his personal workshop endeavors.
Workshop Woes and Storm Damage
Chinea's workshop, located in a converted barn on his Cornwall farmhouse, has faced significant challenges. Earlier this year, he expressed fears about weatherproofing the space, and those concerns materialized in January when heavy storms caused extensive damage. He detailed, "The storm has caused a lot of damage, the workshop roof, various tiles and bits and bobs. I'm doing my best to deal with those, I've ordered more roof sheets and I've lined up roofers to try and fix the roof, but I'm also juggling trying to finish this kitchen." Additionally, he lamented the sound of chainsaws in Cornwall, noting, "It's kind of heart-breaking, there's not enough trees here as it is," reflecting his environmental concerns amidst the repairs.
Life-Changing Move to Cornwall
The move from Kent to Cornwall with his wife Maria and their dog Wendy has been a transformative yet stressful experience for Chinea. He described the decision as "life-changing," adding, "I'm never moving again. It was stressful, but it's like having that workshop and having that at home has been a dream for so long. And I'm very, very fortunate, very grateful that I've actually been able to do it, but it doesn't come easy." He emphasized the ongoing work, stating, "It has been a lot of work, a huge amount of work, and as I say, it is still very much derelict. I'm still shovelling cow poo out where all my tools are. So, you know, it's been a long road, and it will continue to be a long road."
Classic Car Projects on Hold
Among the vehicles awaiting restoration in his workshop are a Land Rover Series 1 and a Land Rover Defender 110. Chinea mentioned ignoring the broken steering box on the Defender due to his health and schedule, underscoring how his professional commitments have impacted his passion projects. This delay adds to the frustrations of managing his time between television fame and personal craftsmanship.
Return to Television and Upcoming Episodes
Despite these challenges, Chinea returns to screens with The Repair Shop, airing on BBC Two. In upcoming episodes, experts will restore sentimental items, such as a lamp left by a friend who died during the Aids epidemic and a pair of shoes worn by a father who trained with Roger Bannister. These stories continue to showcase the show's heartwarming appeal, even as Chinea navigates his own struggles behind the scenes.
Overall, Dominic Chinea's update sheds light on the pressures of celebrity life, the difficulties of maintaining a workshop, and the personal sacrifices involved in pursuing one's dreams, all while dealing with health setbacks and environmental issues.
