Viewers of The Repair Shop: On the Road were deeply touched by an emotional segment featuring a man and his beloved childhood toy, a story spanning five decades. The latest episode of the BBC spin-off saw a poignant restoration project that highlighted a unique personal history.
A Lifelong Companion from a Difficult Start
Guest Robert arrived at the barn with his cherished stuffed lamb, named Wappy, hoping the experts could work their magic. He explained that he has had the toy since 1974, when he was born six weeks prematurely. Accompanied by his sister Chris, Robert recounted how he was the very first baby in the special care unit at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee when it opened.
"I was born six weeks premature and there must have been some nurse that brought Wappy to me, to look after me," Robert recalled. His sister Chris described those early days as "really dark times," revealing, "We nearly lost Robert." She added that he endured numerous operations until he was about eight years old, calling him "a miracle." Throughout it all, Wappy was a constant. "All the while, he's had his wee pal Wappy," Chris said. Robert confirmed the toy's enduring role: "He sleeps with me every night. And he's looked after me ever since then."
The Teddy Bear Ladies Work Their Magic
Presenter Dominic Chinea took the well-loved, worn lamb to experts Julie Tatchell and Amanda Middleditch, known as the Teddy Bear Ladies. Their delicate task involved carefully washing Wappy, taking him apart, and repairing his nose while replacing some of the aged fabric. The restoration aimed to preserve the immense sentimental value of the toy that had been a source of comfort for half a century.
An Emotional Reunion That Moved the Nation
The moment Robert was reunited with the revitalised Wappy was a highlight of the episode, with Robert visibly thrilled, cuddling the toy and saying, "Good to see you again." The scene resonated powerfully with the audience at home. On social media platform X, one viewer wrote, "Omg the way Robbie is looking at and touching Wappy is too much for my heart." Another commented, "This made me cry it was so sweet," while a third simply stated, "Brought me to tears." A fourth added, "Bless them both."
In a separate but equally moving tribute from the Repair Shop family, art conservator Lucia Scalisi recently announced the death of a past guest, Maria Kirk. On Instagram, Lucia paid homage to the "wonderful" Maria, who featured in the first episode of series 12 in March 2023. Maria had brought in a painting that survived a Second World War labour camp, hidden in her grandmother's coat. Lucia expressed hope that Maria's wish to return the painting to her family's church in Ukraine would one day be fulfilled, calling it her "lasting legacy."
The Repair Shop: On the Road airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
