BBC The Repair Shop expert shares 'very emotional' fix for young guest who died: 'Sticks with me'

BBC The Repair Shop expert shares 'very emotional' fix for young guest who died: 'Sticks with me'

WATCH HERE: The Repair Shop host Jay Blades talks about David Jason

BBC
Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 10/04/2024

- 17:20

Updated: 27/06/2024

- 15:49

Brenton West detailed his most challenging fix on the show

The Repair Shop is known for its tear-jerking moments and the moving stories often leave the experts emotional as well as viewers.

Brenton West, who’s starred as the BBC show’s silversmith and precious metals expert since 2017, reflected on one item he worked on that “sticks with him”.


When asked what his most challenging fix had been, West explained: “Very recently I repaired a little garden bee ornament which belonged to a young man who has now sadly passed away.

“He had given his grandfather this bee, so it was a very emotional fix. It was also challenging, knowing how important the item was, so that really sticks in my mind.”

He continued: “There have been so many amazing fixes though - Jack Laugher’s gold and silver Olympic medals were really cool, Paul McCartney’s platinum records and The Oman spice trunk, to name a few more.”

When asked which area of his skill he finds more rewarding, West replied: “Fixing things that people say can’t be fixed - and there are a lot of those at The Repair Shop!

Brenton West

West recalled the most challenging fix he had faced

BBC

“Making people happy, having repaired something that ‘couldn’t be fixed’ is really rewarding.”

The expert went on to recall how he got involved with The Repair Shop, which has been a hit since it first debuted in 2017.

He commented: "There was a camera repair I did initially.

"Then, I got a ‘metalwork’ job repairing something for Will on the show. He asked if the repair could be filmed, and I've been here ever since."

Brenton West

Brenton has starred in The Repair Shop since its debut year in 2017

BBC

The stars of the show are also no stranger to physical injuries, and cobbler Dean Westmoreland recently revealed the workplace hazards he has suffered over the years.

He explained: “I have a squared off thumb,” and went on to add he frequently suffers from headaches after a long day of the intricate work.

“This thumb has been caught on the machine so many times that it’s now squared off,” he remarked. However, he went on to detail the thrill he gets from completing his work.

“It’s really fulfilling,” he reflected. “You know the history of the item, and the story, and you get an insight into people’s lives.

The Repair Shop

The BBC show airs many emotional moments

BBC

“So there’s that extra responsibility. When you give it back and they’re happy, there’s such a sense of relief.

“I’m learning every single day and that’s what drives me to get better. There is more than a lifetime’s worth of learning in footwear. I’m hungry for it."

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